‘Naval base will boost security along Taraba waterways’ – Gov Kefas
Governor Advocates for Naval Base in Taraba State to Enhance Security
JALINGO, Taraba State — Governor Agbu Kefas has emphasized the need for a Nigerian Navy base in Taraba State, asserting that its establishment will bolster surveillance, deter criminal activities, and strengthen security in the region’s waterways.
During a courtesy visit from a delegation from the Naval Headquarters on Monday, led by Chief of Administration Rear Admiral Jonathan Joseph Nwunuji Mamman, Kefas expressed his appreciation for the Navy’s commitment to national security and its plans for operational expansion in the state.
Kefas noted that an assessment of the proposed site for the naval base had already taken place. He described the initiative as a crucial step in safeguarding the state’s waterways, particularly in light of the Kashimbila Waterway, which serves as part of the boundary between Taraba State and Cameroon. He highlighted the vulnerability of several inland waterways to criminal exploitation without adequate security measures.
“The presence of the Navy will enhance surveillance, prevent criminal activities, and improve overall security,” Kefas stated. He further mentioned that the naval base would create opportunities for training local community members to work alongside the Marine Police in security operations.
The governor stressed the necessity of collaboration among security agencies to effectively tackle the region’s security challenges.
In earlier remarks, Rear Admiral Mamman confirmed that the delegation’s purpose in Taraba was to survey the Kashimbila Waterway as part of the naval base preparations. He underscored the strategic importance of the Kashimbila River, which is home to the Kashimbila Hydroelectric Power Project and serves local communities while also marking part of the Nigeria-Cameroon international boundary.
Mamman cautioned that unsecured waterways present significant security risks and reiterated that the establishment of a naval base would enhance safety and protect critical national infrastructure in the area.
