The Benue State Government has begun the training of Marine Marshals aimed at combating insecurity in riverine areas of the state.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over attacks and criminal operations allegedly carried out by armed herders and other criminal elements who exploit the state’s rivers and waterways as routes for movement and escape after carrying out attacks on riverine communities.
This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe, in Makurdi.
He said the establishment of the Marine Marshal forms part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s broader security strategy to safeguard lives and property across the state.
According to him, “The new security outfit is expected to patrol major waterways, gather intelligence, and support existing security agencies in responding swiftly to threats within riverine communities. The Governor has purchased and donated some boats to us for this purpose.”
Bebe said several communities located along the banks of the River Benue and other waterways have reported security challenges, including attacks on defenceless farmers, kidnappings, and unauthorised movements by criminal groups.
He said the absence of effective water-based policing has created opportunities for criminals to exploit the terrain, causing serious setbacks to communities along the riverbank and constituting a clog in the wheels of the state government’s development efforts.
Bebe said the Marine Marshal Unit will be equipped with patrol boats, communication gadgets, and other operational tools necessary to monitor activities along the waterways.
He said able youths have been drawn from across the state, with emphasis on the most affected local government areas, to undergo specialised training in surveillance and enforcement.
According to him, residents believe the initiative by Governor Hyacinth Alia has come at a timely moment, noting that securing the waterways is a critical step towards achieving lasting peace and stability in Benue State.
He said preparations for the official launch have reached an advanced stage and expressed optimism that the Marine Marshal will become a formidable force in the fight against insecurity and will contribute significantly to the state’s ongoing efforts to protect its people and promote economic activities across all parts of Benue.
