…Warns Against Use for Private Security
By Tina Amanda
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, donated six armored gunboats to the Rivers State Police Command to enhance security and combat crime along the state’s waterways.
Represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, DIG Ari Mohammed Ali, the IGP emphasized that the gunboats were meant strictly for public service and warned against their deployment for private security purposes.
“The IGP’s office received multiple complaints from the people of Bonny Kingdom regarding sea piracy and armed robbery along the waterways,” DIG Ali stated. As a response, the IGP decided to deploy these gunboats to tackle crime and ensure safety.”
He further explained the importance of a secure marine environment, stating, “The Nigerian marine sector is a crucial contributor to the nation’s economy. To police these waters effectively, we need visibility patrols and swift responses to criminal activities.
“These gunboats will significantly enhance our ability to combat marine crime.”
The IGP reiterated that any misuse of the gunboats would attract sanctions, stressing that they should not be used for private security or financial gain at the expense of public safety. He urged the public to continue supporting the police in their crime-fighting efforts to ensure that Rivers State and the Niger Delta remain secure.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a major boost for security in the region.
“We thank the IGP for not only responding to maritime security concerns but for also sending one of our own, DIG Ali, to oversee this initiative. The IGP’s swift response to the complaints of sea piracy by providing these gunboats is commendable.”
Governor Fubara assured continued support for security agencies in the state, emphasizing that peace and security remain a top priority for his administration.
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“The Rivers State Police Command is performing well. Our new Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has already demonstrated competence by swiftly addressing security challenges. We urge him to continue to uphold justice and maintain peace in the state,” he added.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, AIG Adebola Hamzat, described the donation as a significant step forward in the fight against crime.
“Today is a landmark occasion. We are expanding our security operations beyond land to include marine patrols. With these gunboats, the police will be better equipped to combat crime and reduce it to the barest minimum.”
In his vote of thanks, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, acknowledged the security challenges faced along the state’s waterways and expressed gratitude to the IGP for the donation.
“We have been dealing with serious security concerns on our waterways. This donation is a major relief, and I assure the IGP that these gunboats will be put to proper use,” CP Adepoju stated.
Aside from the gunboats, the police also received life vests, bulletproof vests, first-aid kits, and communication gadgets such as walkie-talkies to aid their operations.
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The event was attended by top security officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, CP Francis Edu; Chairman of the Maritime Union, Israel Pepple; Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Voke Emore; Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Unit Commanders.
The donation of these gunboats marks a significant milestone in the fight against maritime crime in Rivers State, reinforcing the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring safety and security across the country.
