Indications that the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Admibnistration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Navy, in the fight against pirates and armed robbery at sea is not working have been substantiated by the continuous attacks on fishing vessels with attendant loss of lives and properties.
In the last one week, two ship captains have been killed, one shipmaster was thrown overboard and is yet to be found, an assistant captain had his legs riddled with bullets and several others had varying degrees of injuries.
Some 42 attacks on ships were reported in 2007 compared with 28 in 2004, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
But the attacks have continued unabated in 2008. These latest attacks occurred on October 1 and 2 around Bonny Oil Terminal and Andoni in the Niger Delta region with no rescue operation coming to their rescue.
This has raised doubts about the efficiency of the Maritime Rescue and Coordinating Center (MRCC) which was commissioned by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Trawler Owners Association, NITOA, Dr. M.C. Bisong told Daily Independent that the attacks have resumed in their earlier dimension in spite of the collaborative efforts of both the NIMASA and the Navy.
He said that “Right now, the industry is at crossroads and we don’t know who would come to our rescue. It appears that the NIMASA, the Navy and their collaborative effort have not yielded any rapid response to the attacks as our vessels are still being attacked, hijacked, properties removed, products taken away and ransom demanded with loss of lives.”
On the MRCC which was supposed to coordinate rescue operations, the NITOA Executive Secretary replied: “What can I say about the center? The center was established for this purpose and the purpose is not being felt. I don’t even know the modalities they are working because they are supposed to be coordinating response. When the attack comes we normally inform the necessary officers, and when you call the officers involved, they will be giving you numbers to call instead of them to initiate the response procedure. So, what do you do? We are just helpless”
Meanwhile, pirates are said to have created their own republic within the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having a commander in chief and flag. Before fishing activity is carried out in these areas, some fees are paid and flags obtained.
According to Bisong, “they (Pirates) have established a republic in a republic. They have their own commander in chief. You have to pay to be allowed to fish. You will be given their flag before you are allowed to fish. They are a country of their own. You may be wondering about the whereabouts of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Navy. Where are they in the sea?” he queried.