The Nigerian Navy has concluded plans to establish an Outpost at Ikang and a naval security station at Dayspring Island in Cross River State, South-south Nigeria.
Ikang and Dayspring Island are located in Bakassi Local Government Area in southern Cross River State.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo during a courtesy visit to the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade in government house, Calabar, explained that the move was necessary due to the pressing security challenges bedevilling the Gulf of Guinea.
Strengthening maritime security
Vice Admiral Gambo said “we are aware of the security challenges in the state such as cultistism, kidnapping and other criminal elements. To that effect, it has been part of our strategic plan.
“It is expedient for us to establish the outpost and station in these locations to improve our security architecture in the state and of course, secure our maritime borders”.
The CNS further assured that “we have to keep our eyes open and to ensure that Cross River State and Nigeria at large is secured from that angle. We reassure you of the availability of the Nigerian Navy; we are at your service to ensure that Cross River and her good people are safe for economic prosperity and development.”
According to him, the navy had increased its operational hours in the creeks surrounding the state with the determination “to rid our waterways of all criminal elements. We are doing all to make our waters safe for maritime business to thrive.”
Gambo further explained that the Navy was also collaborating with other security agencies such as the Army, the Air force and the Nigeria Police Force to achieve results.
While explaining that his visit to Cross River was for operational and administrative purposes, Vice Admiral Gambo expressed optimism that the Naval War College currently undergoing construction in Calabar would be commissioned next year.
Appreciation
Responding to the gesture, Governor Ayade commended the Chief of Naval Staff for efforts to increase its presence along the maritime borders in Cross River.
“The Navy has kept us out of harm’s way particularly knowing the complex nature of Cross River’s location vis a vis maritime security challenges”, he said.
Governor Ayade acknowledged the efforts of officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Victory, through its many operations to patrol the creeks and weed out those whom he described as ‘bad boys’.
Ayade also expressed appreciation to the Naval Chief for the proposed naval operational bases at Ikang and Dayspring Island, describing the development as the right step towards securing the livelihoods of the people of the area.
He also appealed to the CNS to consider establishing another base around an area in Bakassi known as Esighi, where the proposed deep seaport project is situated.
The Governor said “we will need a strong naval presence, we will need naval patrol across the entire length and breadth of our maritime domain especially at the Bakassi deep seaport location to further secure the nation.”
He promised to sign the necessary land acquisition documents for naval facilities in Calabar.
Nneka Ukachukwu
