Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju has linked increased kidnapping cases in waterways to reduction of illegal oil bunkering in the state.
LEADERSHIP recalls that no fewer than 16 boat passengers, including seven teenagers travelling to sit for the ongoing West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination were kidnapped by suspected sea pirates on May 6, 2025.
CP Adepoju spoke in Bonny, the headquarters of Bonny local government area of the state, while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting alongside service commanders at the LGA.
Present at the meeting were heads of the Nigeria Army 6 Division Garrison, the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Air Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Police Commissioner who represented the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) at the meeting, said the Police was working in synergy with other sister security agencies to halt kidnappings on waterways.
“The waterways is a peculiar terrain. You need a specialist to be able to navigate on that water. So, those that are going to work around here effectively must be trained like the marine. Working in synergy with the Navy is what will are doing now,” he said.
“We notice that since the illegal bunkering reduced to the bearest minimum, they don’t have any business again, they are going into kidnapping.
“We have up our games. I can assure you, that in a few time, it will be a thing of the past. Security is everybody’s business, it’s not for one man alone.”
The CP added that since the operatives do not know the terrain like locals, they will not be able to achieve on their assignment without the support of the people.
“If we send operatives to this area and they don’t know the terrain, you don’t work with them, they cannot achieve. Often time, you say you need security, you are the security. Without you, there can’t be security. You will tell them how you want your area to be policed. Give them credible information.
“You have to mention names of people committing these crimes to security agencies. If you don’t talk, the security operatives will not be able to do anything. That is why working together is very important. That is why we are here.”
He added that the LGA administrator should be briefed about whatever is bordering the community, “he needs to know. Most of the things you are saying here, he has a role to play.
“The king (King of Bonny) has been trying, he needs your support. It is only in that way, all of you will speak in one voice and get everything done.”
He described kidnapping as a sensitive issue that must be handled very carefully to prevent the abductors from killing their victims. “But at the time they are doing that, we try to see how will can get them, we have been arresting them.”
