The Nigerian Navy has announced plans to establish a naval base in Kashimbilla, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, as part of efforts to strengthen security along Nigeria’s inland waterways and protect the country’s border with the Republic of Cameroon.
The proposed base is aimed at curbing rising insecurity along the international waterway boundary and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The disclosure was made during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Naval Headquarters to Governor Agbu Kefas at the T.Y.
Danjuma Government House in Jalingo. Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Nwunuji Mamman, said the team was in Taraba to conduct a survey of the Kashimbilla waterway ahead of the establishment of the naval facility.
He described the Kashimbilla River as a strategic national asset, noting that it hosts the Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Power Project, serves the surrounding airport area and lies along the international boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. According to Mamman, leaving the waterway without adequate security poses significant risks, stressing that the proposed naval base is long overdue and would play a vital role in protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening border security.
Governor Kefas welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major boost to security in Taraba, particularly around the Kashimbilla axis. He commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for prioritising national security and expanding the Navy’s operational footprint in the state, noting that the service had already carried out an assessment for the proposed base.
Kefas said the project was both timely and necessary, warning that, beyond the international boundary river, several inland waterways across the state could be exploited by criminal elements if left unprotected. He expressed confidence that a permanent naval presence would enhance surveillance, improve security and help safeguard communities along the waterways.
The governor also revealed that the proposed base would provide opportunities to train local residents to support security operations alongside the Marine Police, stressing that stronger collaboration among security agencies remains key to addressing insecurity.