The Nigerian Navy has said it will intensify efforts to rid Akwa Ibom water ways of criminals and boost economic activities within and outside the fishing settlements.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, said this during his visit to NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state yesterday.
He explained that the Nigerian Navy is constitutionally empowered to protect the country’s territorial waters.
“We will try our best possible to ensure that insecurity in the state is reduced to the barest minimum,’’ Ibas said.
He noted that his visit was to relate the various units of the command in the state and appraise the level of readiness to find out what their challenges are.
He stated that the efforts of the command are in top gear to sustain various operations of the Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom.
He said, “I am impressed with the level of commitment exhibited by the officers towards eradicating crimes in Niger Delta.
“I urge them to keep up the good work so that we can free the region of criminality and enable legitimate business to thrive for the benefit of all of us.”
He said that the Federal Government had done well in the area of provision of infrastructure and logistic to navy to carry out its mandate.
He, however, asked the FG to do more by providing up-to-date equipment to enable navy secure the nation coastal waters effectively.
Ibas praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for the donation of building to commence the proposed Navy University in the state.
He, however, said that the kick off of the proposed navy university at Ekparakwa in Oruk Anam Local Government Area would commence as soon as funds were available.
The highlights of his visit were the inaugurations of NNS Jubilee Multipurpose Centre, foundation laying of Sick Bay extension, Inspection of Helmes Jetty and proposed Navy University site.
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