Akwa Ibom State Government Announces Plans for New Naval Base in Stubb Creek

The Akwa Ibom State Government has revealed plans to establish a new naval base within the Stubb Creek Forest Reserve as part of a broader strategy to secure the state coastline and protect critical waterways. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien (retd.), during a ministerial media briefing held at the Government House in Uyo. According to the state government, the proposed naval base is intended to safeguard creeks and waterways along the strategic Gulf of Guinea corridor while supporting economic diversification efforts through the blue economy.

The security initiative comes in response to ongoing concerns raised by residents in coastal and oil-bearing communities, including Eket, Oron, Eastern Obolo, and Ibeno. These areas have experienced various security challenges that have impacted local livelihoods and maritime activities. In addition to the naval installation, the state administration announced that the Nigerian Army will establish a new battalion at Urue Offong Oruko to further bolster regional stability and complement existing security infrastructure.

To enhance immediate operational capacity across the state's waterways, the administration has acquired 14 gunboats to support maritime patrols. Officials noted that these watercraft will work alongside federal security assets to deter criminal activities. Furthermore, the state has procured 17 patrol vehicles, which have been distributed primarily to the police force to improve ground response times and general law enforcement visibility.

Additional security measures unveiled during the briefing include collaborative efforts with the Federal Ministry of Interior to relocate a correctional facility from Wellington Bassey Way to Nung Ukim in Ikono, with land already secured for the project. Plans are also underway to establish a new police division along Banking Layout on Udoma Udo Road. The government further highlighted the creation of a Security Trust Fund, chaired by Paul Usoro, SAN, designed to source financial contributions from private individuals and organizations to support ongoing security programs throughout the state.

Source reporting: Leadership — 2026-10-25 21:55:53