Taraba State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has disclosed that the proposed establishment of a Nigerian Navy base in the state will enhance security along its waterways and protect critical national infrastructure, particularly around the Kashimbila axis in Takum Local Government Area.
Governor Kefas stated this on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Naval Headquarters, led by the Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral Jonathan Joseph Nwunuji Mamman, during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the TY Danjuma House, Jalingo.
The governor commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for prioritising national security, through the planned expansion of the Navy’s operational presence in Taraba State.
He noted that officials had already conducted an assessment of the proposed site for the base along the axis.
He described the project as timely, saying it would strengthen surveillance, curb criminal activities and improve security along the state’s waterways.
According to the governor, the Kashimbila waterway is strategically important as it forms part of the boundary between Taraba State and neighbouring Cameroon, while other inland waterways could be exploited by criminal elements if left unprotected.
Governor Kefas added that, the naval base would also create opportunities for the training of local residents to complement the efforts of the Marine Police and other security agencies in safeguarding the area.
He stressed that, sustained collaboration among security agencies remains essential to tackling emerging security threats across the state.
Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Rear Admiral Jonathan Joseph Nwunuji Mamman, said the delegation was in Taraba State to undertake a survey of the Kashimbila waterway as part of preparations for the establishment of the naval base.
He described the Kashimbila River as a strategic national asset, noting that it hosts the Kashimbila Hydroelectric Power Project, serves the surrounding airport corridor and lies along the Nigeria-Cameroon international border.
Rear Admiral Mamman warned that, unsecured waterways constitute major security vulnerabilities to the people, and stressed that the proposed naval base would strengthen maritime security, safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance border surveillance in the area.
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