Insecurity: Bayelsa Govt. to partner Naval War college
Akam James, Yenagoa
As part of efforts to form a stronger synergy in tackling sea piracy and criminality along the Bayelsa state water ways, the state government has said it will partner with the Naval War College Nigeria, noting that maritime criminality poses threat to the state.
The government gave the assurance on Monday, when the team leader and the Commandant of the Naval War College, Nigeria, Rear Admiral Adeseye Oke Ayobanjo, accompanied by other senior officers of the college and the course 3 participants visited the state governor at Government House, Yenagoa
The state Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), while addressing the visitors, appealed for more partnership in order to increase the social development of the state, adding that the state needs more naval permanent bases in the riverine areas to curb the menace of criminality.
He noted that though the challenges of crime in the water ways will not stop over night, but can be successful if the operations conducted are jointly planned by the various security agencies, adding that there are places in Bayelsa were they are no security presence and crime is on the increase.
“No operation conducted can be successful with joint planning, sea robbery is well defined and your visit is not an accident because the state has one of the longest coastlines.
The challenges will not reduce over night; we need more bases to show the presence of security agents,” the deputy governor said.
Earlier, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Adeseye Oke Ayobanjo, disclosed that their visit was part of their course study which theme is: “Combating sea robbery in Bayelsa state,” adding that the state study tour will help students to appreciate what the state governments are doing in terms of tackling security challenges.
He further stated that after the study in the state and interactions with the various security agents in the state, the team will compare notes with the theories and proffer solution where needed, adding that the establishment of the war college was part of the federal government’s plan to address insecurity in the area.
