NIMASA to rescue 12 crew members on hijacked vessel …Collaborates with Navy, security agencies

NIMASA to rescue 12 crew members on hijacked vessel

.Collaborates with Navy, security agencies

By Udeme Clement & Faith Idem

 The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has commenced search rescue operations for the abducted 12 crew members on board 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, 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 on the rescue operations.

Dr. Dakuku who condemned the act, noted that the Agency is saddened about the attack and assured that NIMASA would not leave any stone unturned in the rescue mission. He also assured that the perpetrators of this act and others of its kind must be brought to book.

“The issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a challenge we acknowledge.  We are determined to tackle it head-on. We would continue to collaborate with Nigerian Navy and other relevant partners to ensure we bring it to a halt”, the DG said.

It could be recalled that   NIMASA recently adopted total spectrum maritime security strategy, which is a multi-dimensional 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 the laws, especially the anti-piracy bill, which would give the Agency the legal backing to prosecute issues relating to piracy on waterways.