Nigeria deploys $195m security architecture to combat piracy in Gulf of Guinea
By Eniola Idris
Nigeria has launched news security mercenaries to end piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The facilities are:two special mission vessels; three special mission helicopters, 16 harmoured vehicles, two special mission aircrafts, 17 interceptor boats, four unmanned aerial vehicles, C4i operation centre, special forces/MSUs, and about 600 trained personnel.
The move was to curb increasing criminal activities such as sea robbery, kidnapping, oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling and illegal trafficking in drugs and persons within the Gulf of Guinea, especially Nigeria.
Speaking at the official launching of the project in Apapa ports, Thursday, President Muhamadu Buhari said the project is to ensure greater enforcement within the Nigerian waters, coming at a critical the when the global attention is on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He said maritime activities accounts for about 80 per cent of trade in the national economy and this intervention would facilitate a conducive environment for maritime to it’s rightful place in the diversification agenda of the Federal Government.
Assuring of sustainability of the project, he urged the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its member states to support the project in ensuring safety of the seafarers.
Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi, assured of full implementation of the project, noting that it would stabilise economic activities and accrue huge foreign exchange to the economy.
Magashi said: “All the assets have been delivered, while training for the personnel have been conducted, while the C4i is now in full operation, hence Nigeria is now in full position to curtail the menace of piracy on its exclusive economic zone.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said the project was a dream come true, because he faced several opposition’s in the course, including some lites in the system who he alleged have been making money from the insecurity menace.
Amaechi said the facilities comprises of four components – marine assets;aerial assets; land assets and the Command Control Computer Communication intelligence (C4i).
He said they are huge in cost and very sensitive assets which must be properly serviced and maintained.
Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh described the deep blue project as “mission accomplished”.
He said the project was aimed at ensuring safer waterways so that businesses can thrive and ultimate boost the national economy.
He applauded President Buhari for signing the Anti-Piracy bill into law, adding that it has convicted about 10 offenders for the first time, under the law.
According to him, NIMASA is working closely with international community to curtail criminality in the nation’s exclusive economic zone.
He said pirate attacks have reduced from mid-February this year, urging the shipping firms to review the war risk insurance to Nigeria.
Secretary-General, IMO, Kitack Lim, appreciated Nigeria’s active engagement to ensure safety of shipping in the Gulf of Guinea.
He assured of IMO’s cooperation to ensure safety on the waters.
The development, he said reflects Nigeria’s commitment to lead the fight against insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea and inland waters.
