Criminality towards maritime economic assets won’t go unpunished – Navy

The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, ENC, Rear Admiral O. K. Oluwagbire, has assured that the Nigerian Navy will descend on any saboteurs or criminals attacking national maritime infrastructures.

He said they can contain any maritime crimes in the three states, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers, that make up the ENC.

He said the command is making life uncomfortable for kidnappers, oil thefts and bunkering merchants.

He stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu to restate military resolve to provide support to civil powers.

“Those that tamper with national economic assets which inundate the three states had better stay away.

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“These three maritime states under the ENC host lots of economic assets of national importance. These are 15 crude oil terminals, three major seaports, six national gas plants, two refineries as well as various oil fields. There are also very rich fishing environments.

“We cannot tolerate any acts of criminality towards these assets. Our duty is not only to defend the country against external aggression or suppressing insurrection but protect critical economic infrastructure against sabotage”, he stressed.

He commended the governor for his support, assuring that the Navy would continue to provide the needed security in the state.

Welcoming the FOC and his team, Governor Otu assured the Nigerian Navy of optimal cooperation and support in their effort to secure the country’s waterways.

Otu said the State is intertwined with the Navy in terms of security, “as a coastal State, we are all partners in the business of safety for our people, and we will provide all the needed support.

“No business can thrive with insecurity. We want our waterways secured. Over the years, our waterways have been threatened by external and internal influences, I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Navy in providing the needed safety.

“We will continue to synergize with you, and request for greater synergy to ensure the needed safety for our state.”