Rivers
Security: Experts Task Govt On Support For Paramilitary Organizations
Security experts in Rivers State have called for Government collaboration and support to private and paramilitary organizations, saying it will reduce insecurity along the state’s water ways.
They stated this recently at a get-to-gether party organized by Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited, a private security outfit in the state.
Speaking at the event, ACP Okoro Ikechukwu, AC Operations Power, Rivers State Police Command, said Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited needs the support of the Rivers State Government and other state Governments in the Niger Delta to assist in reducing insecurity along the waterways of the state.
He said the police and the other security agencies cannot curb criminalities alone, adding that the support of paramilitary organizations is needed both on land and water ways.
ACP Ikechukwu said this can be done through information gathering and sharing.
According to him, for effective performances of its function, Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited not only requiree intelligence, but techniques and equipment, such as security gadgets, boats, and other equipment, adding that Government can support the group through the procurement of all.
He also stressed the need for the security outfit to avoid things that will bring disrepute to it, adding that they must not only be friendly with their host communities, but also members of the public.
Also speaking, a member of the Nigerian Red Cross, Rivers State, Dr. Mina Franklin, said the group needs the support of the government to check the incessant piracy along the waterways of the state.
She particularly said by checking insecurity along the waterways, “the group is not only contributing to the economy of the state, but also implementing maritime laws as far as security is concerned”.
She called for the assistance of the Rivers State Commissioner for Transport.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard, Commander Godwin Amare, has said wearing of safety jackets be made compulsory for waterways transportation in the state.
Amare, who spoke during the get together party, said his group has also deployed over 3000 men across various jetties in the state to check all acts of insecurity.
He said his group is also enforcing wearing of safety jackets by not only speed boat operators, but also passengers.
According to him, the group needs the support of the government and the various companies operating in the state
Amare said the party has afforded them the opportunity to interact with various stakeholders in the maritime security sector.
He also said as part of plans to ensure adequate security in the maritime environment in the Niger Delta, his group plans to deploy its personnel across all the jetties in the region.
In separate interviews with newsmen, the Deputy Director General, Active Marine Surveillance Coast Guard limited, Captain Elekima Dein, and the Director of Finance of the organization, Captain Emberru Michael, said Niger Delta waterways needs proper security to check the incessant pirate attacks.
They said the group is out to support the government efforts in this direction and called for support.
John Bibor