Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has decried the persistent fragmentation of intelligence and lack of synergy among security stakeholders, describing it as a key factor undermining the gains made in combating maritime crimes in Nigeria.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibas, speaking during the courtesy visit by participants of the Advanced Defense Intelligence Officers Course 15 of 2025 from the Defence Intelligence College at Government House, Port Harcourt emphasized that effective collaboration among critical security and intelligence agencies, is essential to addressing increasingly complex maritime threats such as piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism.
“Our nation’s maritime domain is a vital artery of economic prosperity, national security, and sovereignty,” he stated. “In an era where maritime threats are growing in sophistication, no single entity can effectively combat these challenges alone.”
Highlighting Rivers State’s strategic importance as a coastal hub with major ports and oil export terminals, Vice Admiral Ibas reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies through community-based intelligence, local vigilance initiatives, and policy reforms.
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“Our communities must not just be observers but active stakeholders in the security architecture,” he said. “We are reviewing a maritime security engagement strategy and are willing to support joint trainings, provide logistic assistance, and promote policies that facilitate seamless intelligence collaboration.”
In his remark, Commandant, Defense Intelligence College, Abuja and leader of the delegation, Rear Admiral Effah Patrick, said the Defense Intelligence College, established in 2001, operates courses, including the Advanced Defense Intelligence Officers Course to enable senior intelligence officers to acquire knowledge and expertise in the field of intelligence, while developing the ability to handle complex security challenges.
He explained that they are in Rivers state for a study tour and to consolidate on the teachings received in the college on Maritime security issues.
Rear Admiral Patrick noted that participants will during the tour conduct an independent assessment on ways of maximizing intelligence collaboration for enhanced maritime security in Rivers State and Nigeria.
“Our aim is to explore how a collaborative intelligence framework can bolster Nigeria’s efforts in securing our maritime environment,” he said. “The insights gathered will inform actionable recommendations for the Nigerian intelligence community.”
