IBAS Calls For Collaboration To Tackle Maritime Crimes
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency coordination to combat evolving maritime threats in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by participants of the Advanced Defense Intelligence Officers Course 15 of 2025 from the Defence Intelligence College, Vice Admiral Ibas stressed that the persistent fragmentation of intelligence and lack of synergy among security stakeholders is a major impediment to the fight against maritime crimes.
“Our nation’s maritime domain is a vital artery of economic prosperity, national security, and sovereignty. In an era where maritime threats are growing in sophistication, no single entity can effectively combat these challenges alone,” Vice Admiral Ibas stated.
To enhance intelligence coordination, Vice Admiral Ibas proposed, Strengthened Information Sharing: Improved data exchange among agencies, state governments, and international partners.
Inclusion of Local Stakeholders: Engaging fishing communities, port workers, and oil facility operators in intelligence frameworks.
Technology-Driven Solutions: Deployment of real-time surveillance systems and AI-enabled threat analysis.
Reinforced Regional Partnerships: Enhanced cooperation through the Gulf of Guinea Commission and collaboration with neighboring coastal states.
“Maritime security is inherently transnational. Strengthening partnerships with neighboring states and international maritime organizations will amplify our collective capacity to secure our waters,” Vice Admiral Ibas noted.
Vice Admiral Ibas reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies through community-based intelligence, local vigilance initiatives, and policy reforms. “Our communities must not just be observers but active stakeholders in the security architecture,” he said.
The leader of the delegation, Rear Admiral Effah Patrick, Commandant of the Defense Intelligence College, Abuja, explained that the visit was part of a field study to deepen participants’ understanding of intelligence collaboration in maritime security.
“Our aim is to explore how a collaborative intelligence framework can bolster Nigeria’s efforts in securing our maritime environment,” he said.
Vice Admiral Ibas urged security and intelligence agencies to adopt a unified, innovative approach, emphasizing that sustained progress hinges on transparency, trust, and continuous communication among all stakeholders.
“Security is a shared responsibility, but it thrives on clear policy direction and strong political backing. Let us commit to fostering a culture of collaboration to safeguard our maritime domain for national prosperity.”
IBAS Calls For Collaboration To Tackle Maritime Crimes is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
