The Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School and the government of Cross River State have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating to strengthen maritime security.
The agreement was reaffirmed when Governor Bassey Otu received the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, Matthias Amatso, at his office in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Otu, Linus Obogo, indicated that the governor praised the Nigerian Army for maintaining “institutional harmony” and strong synergy with Cross River State in the pursuit of peace.
Obogo further indicated that Governor Otu described the Amphibious Training School as a strategic asset to the state and the nation, particularly given Cross River’s extensive riverine and maritime terrain.
According to him, Governor Otu recalled with nostalgia the sense of security the formation’s operations had brought to surrounding communities, historically serving as a deterrent to criminal elements operating in the region’s waterways and creeks.
Otu was quoted as saying, “In earlier times, when we heard training drills and war songs from your vicinity, it sent a clear message to criminals that this environment is not a safe haven for unlawful activities.”
The Chief Press Secretary noted that during the visit, Otu emphasised the importance of maritime security to the economic growth of Cross River State, Nigeria, and critical infrastructure.
“Our greatest challenge has been how to effectively secure the maritime corridor. Fighting insecurity online is easier than confronting it in the swampy terrain of our creeks and waterways,” Otu stated.
Obogo said that the governor assured the military institution of his administration’s full support, noting, “The governor urged the commandant to expand the training capacity of the school to produce more highly skilled amphibious personnel capable of confronting emerging security threats.
“Please train as many operatives as you can. Security is a collective responsibility, and our government will always stand with institutions that strengthen it,” Governor Otu said.
He further indicated that Governor Otu highlighted the strategic importance of Cross River’s maritime infrastructure, insisting the state’s navigational channel was one of the most promising gateways for maritime commerce in Nigeria.
He noted that Otu said strengthening maritime security would further position Cross River as a major investment and logistics destination.
Speaking earlier, the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, Brigadier-General Amatso, explained that he was on a familiarisation visit following his assumption of office as the 37th Commandant of the institution.
Brigadier-General Amatso was quoted as saying, “The school is not an operational formation like a brigade. It is a training institution that prepares personnel for riverine warfare. We train soldiers and officers to navigate difficult terrain dominated by rivers, creeks and swamps for successful military operations.”
Amatso further commended the people of Cross River for their longstanding hospitality and peaceful coexistence with the military institution.