The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has attributed the recent surge in waterway kidnappings to the decline in illegal oil bunkering activities in the state.
Adepoju made the disclosure on Monday during a stakeholders’ security meeting held in Bonny, headquarters of Bonny Local Government Area. The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Nigeria Army 6 Division Garrison, Nigeria Navy Ship Pathfinder, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
Representing the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Adepoju said the Police and other security agencies are working in close coordination to combat criminal activities on the waterways.
The meeting follows the abduction of at least 16 boat passengers, including seven teenagers en route to write the ongoing West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams, by suspected sea pirates few days ago
