The Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Michael Tidi, has reassured the Nigerian Navy of his council’s readiness to partner closely with them to tackle security challenges.
Tidi gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by members of Course 2 of the Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN), Ubima, Port Harcourt, to the council.
He said the synergy between his office and security agencies has led to the relative peace being enjoyed in the local government area.
Tidi stated that upon his assumptions of office, the coastal communities, along the Warri River had been calm with no violent crimes recorded so far.
The council boss noted that kidnapping of expatriates, local nationals and sea piracy has been reduced significantly and doing business on the waterways had become safer.
He expressed sadness over the spate of oil bunkering (oil theft) and illegal refineries that has destroyed the eco-system, adding that such activities has made life difficult for the people.
Tidi noted that the already cordial relationship between the local government and the security agencies would be maintained and improved upon until the environmental degradation experienced by the council area was nipped in the bud and the socioeconomic activities enhanced.
Rear Admiral TC Udofia, who led the team, said the purpose of the visit is to intimate the local government chairman of the state government efforts in supporting maritime security, educating officers of the Nigerian Navy and sister services, as well as friendly nations to provide effective leadership and command at the operational level.
In line with the naval operational theme, “Enhancing Socio-Economic Development of Coastal states through collaborative Maritime Security”, he said the visit will avail the participants with first-hand information on the activities of other military formations and maritime-related agencies within Delta state and the need for synergy with the Nigerian Navy amongst others.
