In apparent bid to curb incessant attacks on fishing trawlers on the nation�s coastal waters, the federal government has directed the Nigerian Navy high command to equip the Maritime Guard Command (MGC) which is the enforcement unit of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) with arms, ammunition and platforms to effectively combat pirate attack on fishing trawlers.
* One of the several ships on the fleet of Peacegate Oil and GasThere has been increase in the number of attacks on fishing trawlers operating on the nation�s waters recently, a situation that led to the strike by the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NTOA).
Vanguard gathered that based on the directive, a meeting between NIMASA and the Navy was held a few weeks back where the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Command, Rear Admiral Isiah Ibrahim, gave assurances that fishing trawlers operators would be protected.
Members of NTOA have since directed their staff to return to the various post based on the assurances of the Naval helmsman.
An officer of the Navy who to Vanguard on the issue confirmed that the force actually got the directive and that both the arms, ammunition and the platforms (boats) needed may have been released to NIMASA management.
The officer also disclosed that all the operators have been directed to provide each of their ships with superior communication gadgets that would enable them get in touch with Navy ships anchored strategically and NIMASA for immediate responds.
The Navy officers noted that in the past, fishing trawlers had relied Global Systems of Mobile communication (GSM) phones to call for help and in situations where there was no network, they are at the mercy of the pirates.
The top official of NIMASA however told Vanguard that number of platforms deployed so far was still in adequate, stressing that a lot of Navy personnel are only waiting to be seconded to NIMASA to join the enforcement unit but regretted the inadequate platform has made it impossible bring in more personnel.
The Navy official said that with the necessary tools, the MGC can effectively police the nation�s territorial waters from all forms of attacks.
When contacted the Deputy Director in charge of Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, told Vanguard that she was not aware of such but noted that the meeting between NIMASA and the Navy was fruitful and that resulted in the assurances given by the Navy authorities.
It would be recalled that the Flag Officer had given assurance on behalf of the federal government to members of NTOA that they could return to the sea, noting that they prepared and ready to protect the lives and equipment.
Based on the assurances, members of NTOA have since send their vessels back to the sea.