Peterside
The
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has
commenced search rescue operations for the abducted 12 crew members
onboard MV GLARUS owned by ALLISON Shipping which was hijacked off
Bonny Island in Rivers State to ensure that they are found and
released unconditionally.
Speaking
in Lagos on Monday, the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Dakuku
Peterside stated that NIMASA is working closely with the Forward
Operation Base (FOB) and the Falcon Eye of the Nigerian Navy along
with other relevant security Agencies.
Dr.
Dakuku who condemned the act noted that the Agency is saddened about
the attack and assured that NIMASA will not leave any stone unturned
in the rescue mission. He also assured that the perpetrators of this
act and others of its kind are brought to book.
“The
issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a challenge we acknowledge
and we are determined to tackle it head-on. We will continue to
collaborate with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant partners to
ensure we bring it to a halt. Zero tolerance to piracy and all forms
of illegalities on our nation’s waterways is our goal”, the
DG said.
It
may be recalled that NIMASA recently adopted total
spectrum maritime security strategy which is a multidimensional
approach that includes investment on intelligence and partnership
with relevant security Agencies to curb maritime related crimes. it
also include building of Nigeria’s response capabilities
with the use of Fast Intervention Vessels and the review of our laws,
especially the anti-piracy bill which will give the Agency the legal
backing to prosecute issues relating to piracy on our waters.
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