By correspondent in Porthacourt.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has linked the recent spike in kidnapping along the state’s waterways to the successful clampdown on illegal oil bunkering.
The Sole Administrator,who was represented by the Commissioner of Police in state, CP. Olugbenga Adepoju,
CP. Adepoju,disclosed this during a security stakeholders’ meeting in Bonny Local Government Area.
Ibok-Ete emphasized that criminals previously involved in illegal oil bunkering appear to be shifting their focus to kidnapping.
“Since the illegal bunkering activities reduced to the barest minimum, those involved seem to have turned to kidnapping as an alternative source of income,” he said.
Highlighting the complexity of policing the waterways, he stated: “The waterways are a peculiar terrain. You need specialists to navigate effectively. Those deployed must be trained like the Marine Police and work closely with the Navy, which is what we are currently doing.”
He assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to curb the menace.
“We’ve stepped up our game. I can assure you that in no time, kidnapping on our waterways will be a thing of the past. Security is everybody’s business,it’s not for one man alone.”
The Sole Administrator called on community members to support security agencies with actionable intelligence.
“If we send operatives and you don’t cooperate with them or give them credible information, they can’t succeed. You need to mention names and give clues about those committing these crimes,” he urged.
The Sole Administrator stressed the role of local authorities and traditional rulers, urging them to play an active part in community security.
“The LGA Administrator and the King of Bonny have roles to play. It is only through collective effort that we can overcome this challenge,” he noted.
Ibok-Ete Ibas acknowledged the sensitive nature of kidnapping cases, noting that excessive pressure might endanger victims.
“We are cautious when handling kidnapping cases to avoid putting lives at risk. But we are making progress. Just two weeks ago, we arrested a notorious kidnapper and his gang who operate on water. We traced and apprehended them in Bayelsa.”
While noting that some families avoid involving security agencies out of fear, he reiterated the importance of sharing information.
“This new trend of kidnapping on the waterways is worrisome, but we are working hard to combat it. If you see something, say something. Let’s work together to solve this and make our communities safe again.”
He advised residents to collaborate with the LGA leadership and local security operatives to restore peace and security in the region.
Our correspondent reports that representatives of the Nigerian Army (6 Division Garrison), Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Air Force attended the meeting.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
