The revelation was made on Thursday at Government House in Birnin Kebbi during a courtesy call by a powerful naval delegation to Governor Nasir Idris. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, was represented by the delegation, which was headed by Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu.
The decision to increase naval presence in Yauri, according to Rear Admiral Nwatu, is a component of the Navy’s changing maritime policy, namely to protect internal waterways and reduce criminal activity along the River Niger.”Criminal elements are increasingly using the River Niger for transporting weapons and other illegal activities, despite its enormous contributions to agriculture, power, and subsistence.
The Navy is compelled to expand its operations into Kebbi because, as we have seen, the river represents a significant convergence route for such threats,” he stated.
The action, he continued, would strengthen Niger State’s current naval capabilities and contribute to the establishment of a strong security presence along the vital canal that runs across a large portion of Nigeria.
Idris praised the initiative in his remarks, calling it strategic and opportune, particularly given the security issues the southern portion of the state is facing.
The governor stated, “We are thankful to the Chief of Naval Staff for this initiative, as we have never had a naval base in Kebbi before.”
“We see this as a much-needed intervention given the border we share with the Republics of Niger and Benin, as well as the growing threats from trans-border banditry.”
He also gave the group his administration’s full support and praised the Nigerian Navy for recognizing Yauri’s strategic significance.
“Until a permanent base is built, the state government will provide all necessary assistance, including temporary accommodation for immediate take-off,” Idris said.
The governor added that although there are marine police in the region, their numbers and capabilities are constrained, thus the Navy’s presence is essential to protecting people’s lives, means of subsistence, and national property.
It is anticipated that the proposed station will enhance maritime policing, discourage illicit use of inland waterways, and greatly boost the Northwest region’s security architecture.
