Umo Eno Return Peace To Waterways And Coastal Communities.

By Outlook Media.

Waterway security is of paramount importance in Akwa Ibom State, due to its extensive coastline and numerous waterways.

The Akwa Ibom coastline spans over 129 km and features uncountable rivers that converge into it, creating potential hiding spots for criminals

The state’s economy heavily relies on maritime activities, such as fishing, transportation of goods, and offshore oil and gas operations.

Ensuring waterway security is crucial to protect these vital assets and maintain the safety of individuals who depend on these waterways for their livelihoods, Governor Umo Eno made it a key agenda

In recent years , the waterways of Akwa Ibom have been plagued by a significant increase in sea pirate activities.

These criminal acts include the robbery of traders dealing in seafood, smuggling of commodities from neighboring countries, and targeting fishermen and commercial boat operators to steal their possessions.

In addition to robbery, these criminals operating in the waterways also venture inland to abduct victims and transport them to the remote Greeks.

They also target women involved in waterways -based trade, subjecting them to heinous crimes such as rape and even murder the women after rape to cover their tracks.

These illicit activities have had a detrimental impact on the productivity of seafood markets in Akwa Ibom state, particularly at major markets such as the Issiet Beach market in Uruan Local Government Area, the Atabong beach market in Okobo, and the Oron Beach market in Oron Local Government Area.

Numerous incidents of violence have occurred, with victims being killed for resisting paying royalties to the criminals. In some cases, fishing settlements have been set ablaze for failing to comply with extortion demands, and security agents have been ambushed by these criminals.

Under Governor Umo Eno’s administration, a strong focus has been placed on security as part of the Arise Agenda. A new Ministry for Internal and Waterways Security was established to manage and oversee security operations.

The primary goal of the ministry is to ensure the safety of the people and investors in the State.

The Governor has tasked the ministry with assessing the various security groups in the state to streamline their operations and enhance overall security networking.

To address these issues, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State appointed General Koko Essien (retd.), a highly skilled professional, to oversee security operations within the state.

General Essien has shown competence and initiative in overseeing security matters since taking on this position.

Koko has successfully enhanced waterway security in Akwa Ibom State, contributing to the prevention of maritime crimes like piracy, smuggling, and other illegal activities that pose a threat to lives, lead to kidnappings, and disrupt economic activities.

By implementing operational strategies to protect the waterways, he has facilitated economic growth in the state, Koko has encouraged investment, and enhanced trade by ensuring safe maritime transport routes.

Before now, most of the fishing settlement has been sacked by these criminals, and they turned them into their camps, rendering the fishermen and farmers in those settlements idle.

Settlements such as Badik Eman, Ineh Moses, Akpa Mfrikum, Akwa Akpa Uruan, and others were taken over by the sea criminals who established their official operational bases in these locations, but at today those locations are safe.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State acquired 14 patrol gunboats to eradicate the issue of maritime insecurity within the state.

These gunboats serve as essential assets for the newly established Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways.

During the inauguration of the patrol boats at the Nigerian Naval Ship Base in Ikot Abasi, NNS Jubilee Jetty, the Governor emphasized his commitment to enhancing maritime security on the waterways as outlined in the fourth goal of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Subsequently, peace has been restored to the waterways of Akwa Ibom, and incidents involving sea pirates have significantly decreased.

Collaboratively, the Navy and water police have established a joint operation camps in Nwaniba in Uruan, Uta Ewa in Ikot Abasi, Ibeno, and at Oron beach.

To ensure that the official security team can effectively access waterways and navigate the routes to the criminals’ bases, the government has engaged local individuals to assist in information gathering and navigation.

Governor Umo Bassey Eno has invested significant funds to enable the State Security Ministry to procure advanced technological equipment for tracking the activities of these ruthless criminals.

During critical emergencies, the State Government utilizes security helicopters to search and target the criminals’ hideouts.

Currently, tranquility has returned to the waterways, with abandoned fishing camps being revitalized for fishing activities, allowing fishermen to return to their settlements.

The three major seafood markets in Akwa Ibom State have experienced an increase in seafood production, leading to reduced prices as fishermen no longer have to pay tributes to the criminals.

Governor Umo Eno, in his campaign promises, pledged to revitalize the coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State into tourist attractions.

He aimed to transform coastal towns like Nwaniba, Oron, Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, and others into thriving tourism hubs to stimulate economic growth in the region.

However, the prevalent security challenges in the waterways were posing a significant deterrent to potential tourists and investors.

Concerns about safety make it unlikely for tourists to risk their lives, and investors are hesitant to commit funds to areas plagued by insecurity.

Governor Umo Eno’s initiative to acquire gunboats, establish waterway security teams, and procure security equipment will certainly make this vision a reality.

.
In the past, militants from neighbouring states like Rivers and Bayelsa would abduct individuals within their territories and seek refuge in the creeks of Akwa Ibom State until ransom payments were made.

So, Governor UMO ENO prioritizing waterway security in Akwa Ibom State is essential for promoting economic growth, ensuring the safety of maritime activities, protecting the environment, and enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents of the state.

And he is dedicated to accomplishing this objective by establishing the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways and implementing the essential security architecture