A’Ibom to build Naval Base at Stubb Creek

The Akwa Ibom State Government plans to establish a naval base at Stubb Creek and deploy additional security infrastructure to protect the state’s waterways and coastal communities from criminal activities.

The Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien (retd.), announced the plan on Friday during a ministerial media briefing at Government House, Uyo, saying the base would strengthen security coverage along the Ibeno coastline.

“Every community has needs. The government is planning a lot for Stubb Creek, but first will be the establishment of a naval base in Stubb Creek,” Essien said.

He also disclosed plans to establish a Nigerian Army battalion at Urue Offong Oruko as part of efforts to reinforce security across the state.

Essien said the government had acquired 14 gunboats to strengthen patrols on its waterways and complement existing federal security assets. It had also procured 17 patrol vehicles, deployed mainly to the police, to improve security operations.

On other measures, the commissioner said the government was working with the Federal Ministry of Interior to relocate the correctional centre on Wellington Bassey Way to Nung Ukim, Ikono. He added that land had been secured for the project.

He also announced plans to establish a police division along Banking Layout, Udoma Udo Road, while preparations for the proposed state police system were subject to the completion of the necessary legislative process.

The commissioner said the state had established a Security Trust Fund, chaired by Paul Usoro, SAN, to support security initiatives, and urged individuals and organisations to contribute.

On the Ibom Community Watch, Essien dismissed reports of unpaid salaries, insisting that members were paid when due.