In a bid to assure security of lives and properties of citizens during the yuletide season and beyond, the joint security forces in Rivers State, especially, Bonny Local Government Area, have decided to carry out a show of force and visible security presence around their areas of operation.

Disclosing this Kristina Reports, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Bonny, Commodore Kola Oguntuga, said the operation was both onshore and offshore.

He said already, in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, there has been a mustering of resources by the joint security taskforce comprising both land and marine components, which includes the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, amongst others.

Oguntuga said “it is to ensure that everyone is not only safe but they feel comfortable enough to travel to and from their home areas during this period, especially those going to the riverine areas”.

“We have gone around the creeks and communities around this axis of the State. In the coming days we will also go around Bonny and let people see us so that they can feel relaxed that everywhere is safe. All those gunboats you see on the sea, we had to mobilize them from all the areas of operation so that people know we are around.

He, however, had some advice for miscreants and aspiring trouble-makers.

“And those who want to foment trouble during this period they have to think twice about because we will not hesitate to crush anyone who tries to disturb the peace or make the area unsafe. We are determined to ensure that people enjoy themselves in a peaceful atmosphere during this period. They have been warned to stay clear and conduct themselves in a proper manner”.

He appealed to both residents and visitors to Bonny Island and its environs to report any suspicious activities in their area or along the waterways.

“As you are traveling, if you see anything you don’t understand, maybe two or three boats moving together or in a particular place, call our attention so that we can go check it out. It may be criminals planning to attack travellers.

“Don’t say we have passed, what about those coming behind you? If those are criminals, those coming behind you may fall victim. Even on land, we are moving around but we can be everywhere. However, if we get information about anything untoward, we can mobilize quickly to the place to check what is happening there. Security is everybody’s responsibility and we all have to work together to ensure our communities are safe”.   

Checks by Kristina Reports reveal that the security agencies have gone bullish in ensuring visible security.

As observed, between Bonny Island and Onne Ocean Terminal there were over ten gunboats spread a nautical mile apart from each other; just as others were patrolling the creeks, rivers and rivulets around Andoni, Bonny, Degema, Ogu/Bolo and Okrika LGAs.

One traveller, who identified himself only as Philip, said he was satisfied with what he saw at sea, noting that if the waterways were always like this, I am sure those rascals won’t come and terrorizing everyone. I think they should keep it up, not only now but even in the New Year. God bless them.”