Akwa Ibom Supports Navy Against Sea Pirates

Story Filed: Thursday, August 16, 2001 5:20 PM EST

Aug 16, 2001 (Vanguard/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX)-- In an efforts to curb the activities of piracy and armed robbery attack on ships and boats, the Akwa-Ibom State government has resorted to fueling the Naval patrol boat and purchasing new boat for the Navy.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, disclosed this recently while on a visit to Nigerdock on Snake Island in Lagos. According to the governors, "As a result of the polluted waters, by the oil companies, the fishermen has to go further into the sea and in the process they get attacked and for this reason we have bought more boat for the Navy for effective patrol." He however, did not disclose how much has been spent on the fueling and purchase of boats, but said that millions of Naira has been expended. He was however, of the opinion that with a state police including marine police, the issue of piracy attack will be better curtailed. He stated that in the absence of a state police, the state will continue to use the Navy for purpose of controlling piracy attack on vessels, and boats. Meanwhile, the Akwa-Ibom State is one of the coastal states to be co-opted in the National Committee on piracy and armed robbery against ship for effective monitoring of Nigeria territorial waters.

The National Committee on Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ship has concluded plans to counter the attacks of pirates, as all stake holders would be involved in the plan. According to the chairman of the committee, Police Commissioner Kieran Dudari every necessary persons and organisation will be co-opted for an effective control and monitoring of the nation's territorial waters.

by Godwin Oritse

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