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Navy creates mobile stations to rid Niger Delta of piracy, others

By Julius Osahon, Yenagoa
15 November 2016   |   3:17 am
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, says the Nigerian Navy has created mobile stations in Niger Delta as part of efforts to rid the waterways ...
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, says the Nigerian Navy has created mobile stations in Niger Delta as part of efforts to rid the waterways of piracy and other criminal acts.

He made the disclosure yesterday in Yenagoa when he visited Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson in company of the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba and other senior officers.

Received by the deputy governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, the CNS said he was in the state to inspect naval bases and establishments.

Ibas remarked: “The Navy came into the state about five years ago. I am also aware that the presence of the Navy has changed the maritime security landscape of the state and indeed the Niger Delta area in fighting maritime crime which is of concern to all well-meaning Nigerians.

“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Navy together with our sister security agencies will do all within our powers to ensure that we create an enabling environment that will allow for legitimate use of maritime space .

“I wish to use this forum to commend the state for its logistics support to the Navy. We have expanded our bases and units now to create mobile stations which enable us to be closer to the people and to tackle maritime crimes. We are also in the process of creating additional checkpoints to cover flash points in the region.”

Acknowledging that he has been able to appraise and evaluate the security architecture on ground, the naval chief noted that the force had enhanced its operational capacity by acquiring more gunboats for its various units.

“We are hoping that when we put all these together, the Navy is going to be more proactive in delivery of services and with the various exercises we are conducting, we will be able to rid Bayelsa State and the maritime environment of the criminal elements in the region,” he stressed.

In his remarks, the governor said he was determined to purge the state of criminality.

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