Piracy: Gov Emmanuel urges Army to extend security to maritime area

 Following the rising cases of sea piracy in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has urged the Nigerian Army to extend its operations to the maritime area in order to safeguard lives and property of those in the coastal communities.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, made the appeal during the flag-off of “Exercise Still Water 2” by the Nigeria Army, 2 Brigade Headquarters at Mbiokporo Nsit, Akwa Ibom State.

These were contained in a statement made available by Mr Ekikere Umoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo.

The statement said the governor has also indicated interest to partner the with Army and other security agencies for the promotion of effective security in the state.

He commended the army for extending the exercise to cover the 129 km coastline in the state saying that such would stem the tide of piracy and enable fishermen do their businesses without encumbrances.

“We commend the 2 Brigade for what they have been doing to maintain peace and order in the state. I urge you to extend the exercise to maritime area for more peace in our waterways. As a State Government, we will continue to support the Army,” the statement read in part.

Speaking on the flag-off exercise, the Commanding Officer, 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, said that “Exercise Still Water 2” was the brigade’s field training aimed at tackling existing and emerging security challenges in the area of jurisdiction.

Wase, who said the participants were selected from units under the command and sister security agencies, noted that the exercise was basically to address issues of militancy, separatist agitations, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering, cultism and communal clashes.

He also hinted that a free medical outreach would be rendered to some communities in the state during the exercise.