Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lauded the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for donating six operational gunboats to the state’s police command.
The gunboats, aimed at enhancing security along the state’s waterways, were inaugurated on Tuesday at the Marine Police Division, Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, described the donation as a significant step in the fight against crime and insecurity. He emphasized that the gesture aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes security as a cornerstone of national development.
“On behalf of the state government and the good people of Rivers, I commend the Federal Government and the police authorities for this gesture. Security is a cardinal aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Tinubu-led government, and Nigerians are already seeing it at work,” Fubara stated.
The governor highlighted the critical role the gunboats will play in curbing criminal activities along Rivers State’s vast waterways. He pledged his administration’s continued support for security agencies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in maintaining peace and order.
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“On our part, we shall continue to support security agencies to perform their roles as agents of peace, law, and order. We commend the police for being very proficient in the discharge of their duties, and we urge you to keep the bar high,” Fubara added.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Muhammed Ali, reiterated the police force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region. He stated that the gunboats would enhance the police’s ability to prevent, apprehend, and prosecute maritime offenders.
“The gunboats are provided to enhance effective policing of the waterways through the prevention, apprehension, and prosecution of maritime offenders. Security is a shared responsibility, and through unity, vigilance, and collaboration, we will ensure that Rivers State and the Niger Delta are free from the clutches of criminal elements,” Egbetokun said.
He urged the maritime division of the police to maintain the gunboats properly to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
Egbetokun also called on Nigerians to support the police in their efforts to combat crime and insecurity. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and that the cooperation of citizens is essential for optimal service delivery.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Through unity, vigilance, and collaboration, we will ensure that Rivers State and the Niger Delta are free from the clutches of criminal elements,” he stated.
