Bonny LG Chairman Hails Nigerian Navy, Seeks Collaboration on Security 

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) deserves commendation for its strategic efforts in combating criminality and assuring security in its areas of operation, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Abinye Pepple has said.

Pepple said this on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 when he led key officials of his administration on a familiarization visit to the Commanding Officer of the FOB Bonny, Navy Captain Emmanuel Fingesi, at the Base in Bonny, Rivers State.

The Chairman commended FOB Bonny for the sacrifice and professionalism exhibited in safeguarding Bonny waterways, assuring that his administration will sustain the partnership and collaboration existing between the government and the Nigerian Navy in ensuring security of lives and properties in the area.

“Your maritime security architecture is quite commendable. On behalf of government, we salute your courage and we salute your team.”

“Let me sincerely commend you and your team for the commitment, for the sacrifice and determination that you have shown and demonstrated.”

“Therefore, we will interface with you and look at areas we can collaborate to support you because if we don’t support you, it will be very difficult to adequately police the waterways. It’s been a problem for all of us.”

“From what we have seen so far, we must commend you. We are going to sustain our collaboration. Our collaboration with you is inevitable. We cannot shy away from supporting you, because once we get security right, we can get development right. Once we get security right, we can get the prosperity of the local government right.

“Therefore, we will not shy away as a government that is responsible in sustaining and deepening our collaboration with you and members of your team.” 

Responding, the Commanding Officer of the FOB Bonny, Captain Emmanuel Fingesi, expressed delight at the visit, describing it as an honour and a boost to the morale of officers and men of the Base.

He outlined the Base efforts in combating piracy, oil theft, kidnapping, and illegal bunkering, noting the rescue of hostages, the discovery of illegal oil storage sites at Fibiri, Oputumbi and Greens communities, and the interception of 105,400 litres of adulterated AGO.

In the Chairman’s entourage were the Vice Chairman, Ibinyefagha Alabere, Leader of the Bonny Legislative Assembly, Kingsley Jumbo, his Deputy, Lawrence Idasoalabo, Secretary to the Bonny Local Government, Tamunotonye Jumbo, former Administrator of Bonny LGA, Kingsley Banigo, and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mirilla Green, amongst others.

The Commanding Officer, FOB Bonny was accompanied by the Executive Officer, Commander Mohammed Mustapha, and Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, amongst other officers, to receive the Bonny LGA Chairman.