Unical To Partner Navy On Maritime Security

Committed to ensuring the safety of lives and properties of staff and students of the varsity, the Vice Chancellor, VC of the University of Calabar, (Unical) Prof Zana Akpagu has pledged the Institution's readiness to partner the Nigerian Navy in the fight to rid the University waterways of crime.

The VC, represented by his deputy Academic, Prof Florence obi made the pledge while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Navy led by Capt J. Otache at the VC's block on Friday.

Akpagu said that the Management of the University is disturbed by the Security challenges along its waterfront since reports of perennial kidnap has been through the waters.

While seeking the assistant of the Navy to address the challenge, he pledged to do everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and properties of staffers and students of the institution.

He regretted that owing to poor policing of the waterways, the University has experienced 5 kidnap operations in the past involving staff and members of their family, adding that it has engendered panic  and curtail free movement of staff and Students on campus.

In a brief at the event, the Chief Security Officer, S. P. Jarlath Abang informed the Naval delegation that there was an intervention in the past on the kidnap saga  by the Cross River State Government through the agency of the Joint Task Operation Team.

Abang said that the Operation of the Joint Task Force Team resulted in the evacuation of unknown persons and prohibition of fishing  and farming on portions of UNICAL land close to the Water front.

Inspite of their gallant efforts, according to Abang, ferrying kidnap victims through the waterways has not stopped.

He said the invitation of the Nigerian Navy is in line with the counsel of all the Service Commanders in the State, adding that fighting crime in the  waters is the specialty of the Navy.

He reiterated that Naval presence around the porous waterways will surely bring to  an end the enormity of kidnap operations in UNICAL and the State at large.

Reacting, the Leader of the team, Capt J Otache said that his team will make a formal report on their observations and findings.

He commended the VC for the warm reception even as he promised to work with the University to achieve its objective of Security for all Staff and Students.

Climax of the visit was an inspection tour round portions of UNICAL land close to the waterfront.