Deputy Gov Seeks Naval Outpost

Rivers State Deputy, Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says siting a naval outpost  at Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area is strategic to security particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Engr. Ikuru said this recently at Ikuru Town during a familiarisation visit by the Flag  Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern  Naval Command, Rear Admiral Joseph  Aikhomu.

Stressing the need to site the naval outpost in the area, the Deputy Governor pointed  out that  “Ikuru town is open to the Atlantic Ocean, several creeks and the Gulf of Guinea in general,” observing  that “security in Ikuru Town is security in the Gulf of Guinea.”

He promised the State Government’s support in actualizing the objectives of the Command, adding that the people of Ikuru Town are willing and ready to provide an enabling environment and  cooperation for the planned outpost.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Aikhomu said his visit was to afford  him the   opportunity  to have a first hand  assessment of the planned naval outpost in the area, explaining that the familiarization  visit was  in adherence to the President’s directive  to safeguard the waterways, stop illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

He  expressed optimism that the outpost would enhance the fight “against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities” in the Niger Delta region, assuring that the needed manpower and operational capabilities necessary for the smooth take-off of the outpost and security  of the area would be provided by the Nigerian Navy.