Byline: Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - August 01, 2025 (Series News Online)
The Naval Headquarters in Abuja has given the green light for the establishment of a Naval Base in Yauri, Kebbi State, aimed at bolstering maritime security in the region. A high-level delegation led by Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, dispatched by the Chief of Naval Staff, has held consultations with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, head of the naval delegation, remarked, "We came to Kebbi to express the goodwill of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to the government and people of the state. The Nigerian Navy is expanding maritime security strategically in the hinterland."
Rear Admiral Nwatu highlighted the significance of the River Niger, stating, "The River Niger is of strategic security importance in the hinterland. The river is being utilized by criminal elements for the conveyance of weapons and men for bad intentions. With the proposed naval base in neighboring Niger State, the Navy is set to expand security on the other side of the River Niger in Kebbi State, for effective proactive and counter-measures against banditry and other forms of criminality."
Expressing gratitude to the Governor, Rear Admiral Nwatu said, "On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, I am expressing profound appreciation to our charismatic Governor, Nasir Idris, for giving the Nigerian Navy the necessary backing to create a foothold in Kebbi to boost the security of the state."
During the meeting, Governor Nasir Idris welcomed the initiative, stating, "The mission of the delegation is to see how best to open a Naval Base in Yauri on the orders of the Chief of Naval Staff. Kebbi has never had a Naval Base before, and the state has the River Niger criss-crossing its land mass, which requires adequate maritime security."
Governor Idris further emphasized the strategic importance of the location, noting, "Kebbi is in a strategic location, sharing a common border both on land and water with the Republic of Niger and Benin Republic, which recently has its own level of security challenges. We have maritime police, but they are not many. I am thanking the Chief of Naval Staff for his insightful foresight."
The Governor assured the delegation of the state's full cooperation, saying, "No responsible government treats security with levity in all its ramifications. Kebbi State will render the necessary help to expedite action on the establishment of the naval base. We shall provide the Navy with a temporary site and accommodation to start operations."
The delegation also conducted an on-site inspection of the proposed location for the naval base in Yauri.
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