Governor Godswill Akpabio has tasked the military to rise to the challenge of checking the activities of sea pirates at Bakassi Peninsula bordering Nigeria and Cameroon.

He made the call Thursday when the Chief of Training and Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Major-General Peter J. Isang, paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo.

Said Akpabio: “Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi may be known for crude oil theft, but the main problem is in Bakassi that we have handed over to Cameroon. It is a major problem and a major threat to Nigeria.

“Illegally, pirates now have camped there with over 500 men and Cameroon seems to have abandoned the place. Recently, one of our paramount rulers was kidnapped and he was taken there and he saw it with his eyes. We can’t strike. We can’t go there. It is left for you with all the intelligence supplied to you.

“I want to thank the Commander the Joint Task Force. It is not easy but they have worked under very difficult circumstances and to a large extent they have brought peace to Niger Delta. The Navy is working hard but they have challenges. As the Chief of training and operations observed, they need boats and as a State Government, we will do our best. This year we have problem with finance, but there is no doubt, I know if we can assist you with boats you will perform wonders.”

Major-General Isang who said he was in Akwa Ibom as part of the inspection tour of troops and their combat readiness within the region, noted that ensuring peace in the state is the concern of the force.

According to him, “We have gotten report about Eastern Obolo and Ibaka that there are some militant camps and there have been a bit of insecurity in that place. We have decided to access it so that we can take report and decision which will be taken on how to handle such a situation and that applies to all other States that we have been to.”

He commended Governor Akpabio for consistent support to the military, saying: “We have been briefed on the challenges that the troops are facing and in most of these states, the governors have been very proactive especially in this state. The governor has been very supportive to the military here and that is why we have the peace that we are enjoying in the state.”

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.

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