The Inspector General of Police , Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated six armoured gunboats for the Marine Unit of the Rivers State Police Command.
The deployment, which took place on Tuesday at Abonnema Wharf in Port Harcourt, was carried out on behalf of the IGP by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammed Ali.
According to Ali, the initiative followed a surge in complaints from residents, particularly in Bonny, regarding insecurity on the waterways.
“The IGP’s office received numerous reports about sea piracy and armed robbery in the area. In response, he directed that these gunboats be deployed to strengthen security and enhance crime-fighting efforts,” Ali stated.
He warned officers against misusing the newly acquired gunboats for personal or private security purposes.
“These assets are strictly for securing the waterways, not for individuals to profit at the expense of public safety. A safer Rivers State will attract more investors and create job opportunities for youths,” he emphasized.
The IGP described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its importance in protecting Nigeria’s marine sector.
“The marine industry is a vital part of our economy. Ensuring effective policing of waterways requires increased patrols and swift action against criminals. These gunboats will enhance our ability to combat maritime crime,” Egbetokun said.
He also urged the Marine Unit to maintain the equipment properly and assured that efforts to secure the Niger Delta region would be sustained.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, praised the IGP for responding swiftly to security concerns in the region.
“We appreciate this rare gesture. The maritime sector had expressed concerns about rising sea piracy and sought intervention from Abuja. The IGP’s swift response with these six gunboats is commendable,” Danagogo said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to maintain law and order.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olubenga Adepoju, assured that the newly acquired gunboats would be effectively utilized to combat criminal activities.
“The state has been facing serious security challenges along its waterways. This intervention is timely, and we assure the IGP that these gunboats will be deployed judiciously,” Adepoju stated.
Alongside the gunboats, additional security equipment—including life vests, bulletproof vests, first aid kits, and communication gadgets—was provided to strengthen marine security operations in the state.
