The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated six armoured gunboats donated to the Marine Unit of the Rivers State Police Command to curb crime on the state’s waterways.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammed Ali, warned officers against using the gunboats for private purposes.

He noted that the decision to deploy the gunboats followed rising complaints of piracy and armed robbery along the state’s waterways.

“The IGP’s office received numerous complaints from residents of Bonny over incidents of sea piracy and armed robbery. As a result, the IGP directed that these gunboats be deployed to enhance security and support ongoing crime-fighting efforts in the state,” Ali said.

He emphasised that the gunboats must not be used for private security operations or personal gain.

“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 added.

Egbetokun described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and urged continued public support for the police.


https://punchng.com/ig-unveils-armoured-gunboats-to-tackle-sea-piracy-others-in-rivers/