The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), says the bullish aggressive war on illegal oil bunkering with a view to reducing it to the barest minimum is the cause of increase in kidnapping incidents on waterways in the State.

Vice Admiral Ibas said this on Tuesday, May 1, 2025 during a Stakeholders Meeting in Bonny, Rivers State.

He was represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who was accompanied by other security commanders in the State including the Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army; Brig. Gen. Sani Ahmed, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder; Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command; Joachim Okafor, and Deputy Director of Security, State Security Services (SSS), Rivers State Command; Larry Aninye.

The Sole Administrator stated that the various security agencies are working in synergy to ensure that kidnappings on the waterways are halted.

“The waterways are a peculiar terrain; you need a specialist to be able to navigate on that water. So, those that are going to work around here effectively must be trained like the marines, and working in synergy with the Navy is what we are doing now.”

“We noticed that since the illegal bunkering reduced to the barest minimum’, they don’t have any business again, they are going into kidnapping. We have upped our game. I can assure you that in a few days’ time it will be a thing of the past.”

He, however, pointed out that “security is everybody’s business, it’s not for one man alone”.

“If we send operatives to this area and they don’t know the terrain, you don’t work with them, they cannot achieve. Often times, you say you need security, you are the security. without you, there can’t be security.”

“You will tell them, how you want your area to be policed, give them credible information.”

“You have to mention names of people committing these crimes to security agencies. If you don’t talk, the security operatives will not be able to do anything. That is why working together is very important; that is why we are here.

Earlier in his remarks, the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area, Kingsley Banigo, had reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with security agencies in line with the vision of the Rivers State Administrator to safeguard lives and property across the LGA.

“We are stronger together. Unity and cooperation among all stakeholders are essential to securing Bonny and improving the quality of life for our people.”

“During our time in office, we will work with everyone to ensure peace, safety, and development.”

During the interactive session, community leaders, youth and women representatives, the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF), Non-Indigenes Without Borders Group, titled citizens, and other stakeholders voiced their concerns and made urgent appeals to the Rivers State Administrator.

In his response, the Vice Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Se-Alabo Haniel Tamunoiwarisoma Jack-Wilson Pepple reiterated the Kingdom’s unity under the leadership of the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Perekule XI.

He called on the State Government to act swiftly on the issues raised, urging multinational companies to honour their agreements with host communities.

Key demands stated during the meeting included addressing environmental health issues arising from the activities of international oil companies (IOCs) in Bonny; boundary protection for Bonny communities; establishment of a specialized hospital for pollution-related health challenges; enhanced security infrastructure in rural villages; and accountability for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)’s lack of impact in Bonny.

On their way back to Port Harcourt, the security commanders led by the State Commissioner of Police made an on-the-spot inspection of the Bonny General Hospital and the Bonny Model Primary School, signaling the government’s commitment to prioritizing these critical infrastructures.

The seminar underscored the importance of collaboration between security agencies, government, and the community in tackling security challenges and fostering sustainable development in Bonny.