By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has emphasized that effective maritime security remains a critical foundation for sustainable socio-economic development, stating that no nation can fully harness its maritime resources in an atmosphere of insecurity.
CP Azare made the assertion on Monday while receiving the Commandant of the Naval Warfare College Nigeria, Rear Admiral M.A. Muye, and participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 during an operational study visit to Akwa Ibom State.
The visit formed part of the participants’ field research programme under the theme, “Maritime Security and Socio-Economic Development: Akwa Ibom State in Perspective,” aimed at exposing senior military officers to contemporary security challenges and the strategic link between maritime security and economic development.
Addressing the delegation, the Police Commissioner highlighted Akwa Ibom State’s strategic importance within Nigeria’s maritime architecture, noting that the state occupies a vital position along the Gulf of Guinea and serves as a major centre for oil and gas production, maritime transportation, fisheries, tourism and other economic activities that contribute significantly to national revenue.
He, however, observed that the maritime sector continues to face numerous security threats, including piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping along waterways, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, human trafficking, environmental crimes and other forms of transnational organized criminal activities.
According to him, a secure maritime environment not only protects critical national assets but also attracts investment, promotes commerce, creates employment opportunities, boosts government revenue and enhances the welfare of coastal communities.
CP Azare addressing the participants in the police headquarters conference room, Ikot Akpn-Abia, Uyo.
Speaking on the role of the Nigeria Police Force in maritime security management, CP Azare outlined the Command’s efforts in intelligence-led policing, waterway patrol operations, protection of critical infrastructure, crime prevention initiatives and community engagement programmes. He also stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies operating within the maritime domain.
The Police Commissioner noted that addressing maritime threats effectively requires stronger intelligence sharing, joint operations, improved surveillance systems, deployment of modern technology, enhanced protection of oil and gas facilities and continuous capacity building for security personnel.
He further underscored the need for closer cooperation among the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and relevant community stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Naval Warfare College Nigeria, Rear Admiral M.A. Muye, commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for its contributions to maintaining peace, security and stability in the state.
Rear Admiral Muye stated that the knowledge and insights gained during the visit would enrich the academic and operational experience of participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 and enhance their understanding of maritime security challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s coastal environment.
The study visit provided a platform for professional engagement, knowledge exchange and collaborative discussions on emerging maritime security concerns, while exploring practical solutions for strengthening security and promoting economic prosperity within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in safeguarding the nation’s waterways, protecting critical infrastructure and combating maritime crimes in support of national security and economic development.
