The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, ENC, of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral O. K. Oluwagbire, has warned against sabotage of national assets within the command.
He said the command would descend on any saboteurs or criminals attacking national maritime infrastructures.
The assets, he said, include crude oil terminals, sea ports, gas plants and refineries.
He said the ENC is capable of containing any maritime crimes in the three states, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States that make up the ENC.
He made this known while paying a courtesy visit on the Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu emphasised that the ENC also came to to restate military resolve to provide support to civil powers.
“Those that tamper with national economic assets which inundate the three states had better stay away.
“These three maritime states under the ENC host lots of economic assets of national importance.
“These are 15 crude oil terminals, three major seaports, six national gas plants and two refineries, as well as various oil fields. There are also very rich fishing environments.
“We cannot tolerate any acts of criminality towards these assets. Our duty is not only to defend the country against external aggression or suppressing insurrection but protect critical economic infrastructure against sabotage”, he stressed.
He commended the governor for his support, assuring that the Navy will continue to provide the needed security in the state.
Welcoming the FOC, Governor Bassey Otu assured the Nigeria Navy of optimal cooperation and support in their effort to secure the country’s waterways.
“No business can thrive with insecurity. We want our waterways secured. Over the years, our waterways have been threatened by external and internal influences, I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Navy in providing the needed safety.
“We will continue to synergize with you, and request for greater synergy to ensure the needed safety for our state.”
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
