In a decisive move to tackle piracy and oil theft, the Rivers State Government has donated six 400-horsepower security surveillance gunboats to the Nigerian Navy. The handover ceremony, held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, also featured the commissioning of three bungalows for Senior Officers’ Quarters and Bofor’s accommodation for naval ratings.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who made the donation, emphasized the critical need to secure oil installations and combat sea piracy. He urged the Navy to deploy the gunboats strategically to protect the state’s waterways and safeguard Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
“Our national economy relies heavily on crude oil production and sales. To ensure steady growth, we must support security agencies to effectively combat oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism,” Fubara stated.
The governor stressed that the donation should bolster the Navy’s capacity to enhance maritime surveillance, making it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate. “These gunboats are a commitment to securing our waterways and ensuring a safe environment for our citizens. We will continue to support the Navy in achieving this mission,” he added.
Fubara also highlighted the broader challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta, describing them as significant threats to regional stability. He called for intensified efforts to address the growing menace of piracy and kidnapping on the Bonny and Kalabari waterways, expressing hope that the new equipment would enhance safety for travelers and locals.
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The governor further noted that the donation is part of his administration’s responsibility to protect lives and property while complementing federal efforts to enhance maritime security. “These contributions are not limited to gunboats; they include other logistical support to ensure the Navy’s operations are effective,” he remarked.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, lauded Governor Fubara’s unwavering support for the Navy. He described the donation as a testament to the strong partnership between the Rivers State Government and the Navy, emphasizing its significance in boosting operational capabilities.
“These six Abitto gunboats will greatly enhance our ability to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain. They are exactly what we need to penetrate the creeks and carry out our policing functions effectively,” Vice Admiral Ogalla said.
He also expressed gratitude for the housing facilities provided, noting their importance in motivating officers to perform their duties diligently. “This is a clear demonstration of Governor Fubara’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through the provision of critical assets and infrastructure,” Ogalla added.
Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, praised Governor Fubara’s generosity, stating that the new assets would significantly enhance the Navy’s operational readiness. He assured the public that the Navy would leverage these resources to ensure peace and promote maritime safety across Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
