The Nigerian Navy has given fresh assurance to residents of Rivers State of its resolve to secure the state’s waterways through intensified gunboat patrols and strategic deployments in creeks.
The pledge came on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the Third Quarter Route March of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, an event aimed at promoting fitness among officers and fostering cooperation with sister security agencies.
Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, represented by the Executive Officer, Navy Captain Abubakar Sani, explained that keeping personnel in peak condition is vital to fulfilling the Navy’s role.
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“The essence of the route march is to ensure that Nigerian Navy personnel are physically fit and healthy to perform their constitutional mandate, which is safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria,” he stated.
Aniaku further disclosed that officers have been strategically deployed to deter illegal activities.
“We have our men deployed in all the strategic creeks and locations in the state to ensure we stamp out criminality,” he said, adding that synergy with other security organisations has been key to maintaining order.
He noted that the Navy also works closely with the National Inland Waterways Authority to regulate water transport.
“We have gunboats patrolling, and we collaborate with agencies like the National Inland Waterways Authority to ensure that the maritime unions and water transport operators follow the appropriate rules and regulations.”
On the wider benefits, the Commander stressed that stability across the waterways is crucial for growth.
“On achievements, we have made sure that the security of Rivers State is well safeguarded and that there are no challenges anywhere. We collaborate with all the agencies to ensure that Rivers State is safe and secured for the economy to thrive,” Sani said.
