The Nigerian Navy on Thursday announced that it is set to establish new operational bases in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River state.
In a courtesy call to the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo said an outpost will be established at Ikang and a naval security station at Dayspring Island.
Speaking during the visit held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Calabar, Vice Admiral Gambo explained the necessity of the move, which he said is a result of the security situation in the state caused by cultists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
He revealed that as part of the strategic plan of the team, it was expedient an outpost and security station be established in these locations in order to improve the security architecture in the state including protection of the country’s borders.
Assuring the governor of the Navy’s commitment to the security of the state and the country, the Naval boss said “we have to keep our eyes open and to ensure that Cross River State and Nigeria at large is secured from that angle.
“We want to reassure you of the availability of the Nigerian Navy; we are at your service to ensure that Cross River State and her good people are safe and secured for economic prosperity and development
“I want to inform you, Your Excellency, of the ongoing general operations in the creeks around the state to ensure we rid it of all criminal elements; the cultists, the kidnappers, and all that to make sure it is safe for maritime business to thrive since Cross River is a litoral state.
“In that regard, we are also collaborating with other agencies like the Army, the Airforce, and of course, the police and other security agencies in the state to ensure that the waterways are safe and secure for the prosperity of the good people of Cross River State”.
He further expressed optimism on the ongoing construction of the Naval War College in Calabar, which he said will be ready for commissioning next year.
Governor Ayade, while commending the Navy said their security efforts have kept the state safe.
He also thanked the Naval Chief for the proposed Naval operational bases at Ikang and Dayspring Island, describing the development as a great move to secure people of the area from criminal elements.
However, he pleaded with the Navy to also establish a base around Esighi where the Bakassi Deep Seaport project is sited.
“We will need a strong naval presence, we will need a naval patrol across the entire length and breadth of our maritime domain,” he added.
He pledged to sign the Certificate of Occupancy for the ongoing construction of Naval facilities in Calabar as pleaded by Vice Admiral Gambo.
