By:Abdullahi Inuwa
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has underscored the critical role of maritime security in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, as he received the Commandant of the Naval Warfare College Nigeria, Rear Admiral M.A. Muye, and participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 on an operational study visit to the state.
The visit, which took place on Monday, formed part of the senior military officers’ strategic field study on the theme, “Maritime Security and Socio-Economic Development: Akwa Ibom State in Perspective.”
Addressing the delegation, CP Azare described Akwa Ibom as a vital component of Nigeria’s maritime landscape, noting that its coastal location along the Gulf of Guinea makes it a major centre for oil and gas production, maritime transportation, fisheries, tourism and other revenue-generating activities.
The police chief, however, warned that the maritime sector continues to face serious security threats, including sea piracy, armed robbery on waterways, kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
According to him, sustainable socio-economic development can only thrive in a secure environment, stressing that investors and businesses are more likely to flourish when critical national assets and maritime routes are adequately protected.
“Maritime security is indispensable to national prosperity. A secure maritime environment attracts investment, boosts commerce, creates jobs, enhances government revenue and improves the welfare of coastal communities,” CP Azare stated.
He highlighted the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in tackling maritime-related crimes through intelligence-led policing, waterway patrols, infrastructure protection, community engagement and close collaboration with other security agencies.
The Commissioner also advocated stronger inter-agency cooperation involving the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, NSCDC, DSS, Customs, Immigration, EFCC and local stakeholders, noting that the growing sophistication of maritime crimes demands enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations, modern surveillance technology and continuous capacity building.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Muye commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for its contributions to peace and security, describing the engagement as highly beneficial to the academic and operational development of participants of Naval Warfare Course 10.
The visit provided a platform for robust discussions on emerging maritime security challenges and practical strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways while promoting economic prosperity.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to combat maritime crimes, protect critical infrastructure and support national security and economic growth.
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