Akwa Ibom plans naval base to secure coastline
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
The government of Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State plans to establish a naval base in the Stubb Creek Forest Reserve to secure its waterways and coastal communities. Commissioner for Internal Security Koko Essien also announced the arrival of 14 armed boats and 17 patrol vehicles, according to the state government.
The government of Akwa Ibom State, in southern Nigeria, plans to establish a naval base in the Stubb Creek Forest Reserve to secure its coastline, waterways and creeks. The project was announced by the Commissioner for Internal Security, retired General Koko Essien, during a ministerial press briefing in Uyo, reports the Leadership newspaper.
The base is intended to strengthen security operations in the coastal oil-producing communities of Eket, Oron, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno, which face difficulties in river areas. The state has already acquired 14 speedboats and bought 17 patrol vehicles, mainly assigned to the police, according to Koko Essien.
The government also plans to deploy a new Nigerian Army battalion to Urue Offong Oruko. It is also preparing to relocate the Wellington Bassey Way prison to Nung Ukim, as well as create a police division near Banking Layout, according to the commissioner.
These measures accompany Akwa Ibom’s efforts to diversify an oil-dependent economy through the blue economy. The Commissioner for Transport, Anthony Luke, also announced the removal of illegal bus stations before Christmas in order to improve security visibility and public revenue.
