The Rivers State Police Command has taken delivery of six armoured gunboats donated by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to enhance security along the state’s waterways.
The gunboats, which were officially commissioned at an event in Port Harcourt, are part of efforts to combat criminal activities such as piracy, oil bunkering, and kidnapping in the region.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations, Ali Mohammed Ali, who represented the IGP at the ceremony, reaffirmed the police leadership’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s waterways. He urged stakeholders and residents of Rivers State to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo. The governor praised the donation as a strategic move aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Rivers State Police Command for its dedication to security.
Also present were the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 16, AIG Adebola Hamzat, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Alonyenu Idu, and other senior security officials. Maritime industry stakeholders, including Maritime Union Chairman Israel Pepple and Police Community Relations Committee Chairman Voke Emore, also witnessed the event.
Speaking on the development, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, assured that the gunboats would be deployed effectively to protect maritime operators and residents. He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities on the waterways.
The Rivers State Police Command expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police for the gesture and reassured the public of its continuous efforts to ensure safety across the state.
