The Commander of the NNS-Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Commodore Semiu Olubode Fazaz has assured the people of Uta Ewa Community that they would not leave any stone unturned in their efforts toward aggressive patrolling of the maritime environment to drastically curtail the menace of criminals in the area.
Commodore Fazaz gave the assurance in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area during a courtesy call on the chairman and members of Uta Ewa community occupying the waterfront of the area.
The commander said their visit was not only on the strategic importance of the area but an obligation to protect the resources of the nation and also to flush-out criminals sabotaging the economics of the country.
The NNS Jubilee commander warned Sea pirates, pipeline vandals and those engaging in illegal oil bunkering to steer clear from maritime environment as the Navy would not hesitate to deal decisively with anybody caught committing havoc in the area.
He used the opportunity to thank the stakeholders of Uta Ewa community for being supportive to the Navy and called on continuous synergy for peace and tranquillity to reign in the area and beyond.
Related: Navy Launches Operation DOUBENI II In Niger Delta
Speaking on behalf of Uta Ewa community while receiving in audience the Commander of the NNS Jubilee and his officers at the palace of the Clan Head of Ikpa Ibekwe, the chairman of the Uta Ewa village council, Elder Emmanuel Gordon Udofia said they were overwhelmed with joy about the strategies adopted by the Navy so far which has reduced the rate of criminalities within the waterways and creeks particularly on pipeline vandalism, sea pirates and illegal oil bunkering activities, adding that the health hazard encountered by the inhabitants of the area was unbearable.
Elder Udofia noted that the aggressive and intensive patrolling of waterways and creeks carried out by the Navy has given those earning their source of livelihood in the maritime sector a sense of belonging.
He said the community would continue to foster peace and tranquility and ready to partner with them in order to cement the existing relationship to enable the command achieve her aims and objectives.
The Uta Ewa village council chairman commended the unprecedented effort of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) for working assiduously as well as ensuring that the Navy exercises her professionalism in the discharge of the national responsibilities.
He called on the Federal Government, as the matter of great important to provide the Navy with the necessary facilities to facilitate them in protecting and defending the territory integrity of the nation.
Read Also: Bring Oil Bunkerers To Book- Gov Wike
In their request, the chairman of Ikpa Ibekwe Clan Council of Chiefs, Elder Stephen Udosen commended them for the complementary role in nation building and appealed for the recruitment of their sons and daughters into the navy, employment of the civilian staff in the NNS Jubilee Base, casual workers as well as provision of medical treatment.
He added that such gesture could go a long way to ameliorate some teething problems encountered by the community.
