Warri (Delta)-The Nigerian Navy has expressed its readiness to provide security in the waterways before, during and after the general elections.
Commodore Musa Gemu, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Warri Naval base, pledged the readiness during Operation Show of Force in Warri on Thursday.
Gemu told the Independent National Electoral Commission and the electorate in the riverine areas that they would get adequate protection in the forthcoming general elections.
Gemu said the event, held at the Benelt Island in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta, was happening simultaneously in all naval commands across the country.
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He added that it was aimed at showing the readiness of naval officers in providing security in the waterways before, during and after the elections.
“The INEC officials and the electorate should feel comfortable; we are ready to provide them with adequate security throughout the exercise.
“We have adequate resources to ensure the protection of citizens in the Niger Delta. The military is at the background; so we are supporting the INEC and the Nigeria Police in ensuring peaceful elections”, he said.
Gemu also said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Usman Jibrin, had ordered them to conduct stop and search operation on all ships that sailed into their harbour.
According to him, the aim is to checkmate the influx of illegal arms.
He warned those who may want to cause trouble during the elections to stay away or have themselves to blame.
He, however, advised the people to go about their lawful businesses and commended the navy chief for assisting the navy with logistics and other resources to enable them to checkmate criminal activities in the Niger Delta. (NAN)