Gulf of Guinea: Rekpene Calls For Intensive Security Patrols

by crossriverwatch admin

Rekpene Bassey, Cross River State Security Adviser

Mr. Rekpene Bassey, the Cross River State Security Adviser has called on security agencies to intensify patrols along Nigeria’s coastal waters to arrest the increasing criminal activities along the Gulf of Guinea.

Mr Bassey who was speaking when the new Commander of NNS Victory, Commodore F.F. Ogu paid him a visit in his office at the Governor’s Office, Calabar said: “There are dire security challenges along the Gulf of Guinea, so it is important that regular security patrols be carried out along our territorial waters that adjoin the area to ensure adequate security of our general maritime zone”.

The State Security Adviser commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in stemming the tide of piracy and sea robbery in the Calabar water channel which has kept the state safe and secure.

Mr Bassey maintained that being a state whose economic mainstay is tourism, security must be accorded top priority at all times. According to him, though the state remains the safest and most peaceful in the country, ‘we cannot rest on our oars in ensuring that effective security is sustained.’

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He used the opportunity to express happiness over the recent appointment of Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, whom he said had been one time Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command in Calabar as the new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). He described Jibrin as a ‘first class military officer, bound to bring great innovations to the Nigeria Navy’ and urged him to lend support to the two navy formations in the state.

In his response, the new Commander of NNS Victory Commodore FF Ogu commended the state government for the support the State had lent to his command in the past. He stated that such support including the donation of gun boats had helped the Command to execute its activities substantially well.

Commodore Ogu, however, stated that there is more to be done and asked for further support to assist the Navy in the execution of their activities.

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