Piracy: Maritime Organisation Set To Deploy Men To Waterways 

A  maritime security outfit, Active Marine Surveillance and Coast Guard Limited, says it is ready to deploy its men to ensure security across waterways in Rivers  State and Niger Delta.
The group which said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt also pledged to collaborate with the various security agencies to ensure safety on the state waterways.
Director General of the organisation, Commandant Godwin Amare, said the organisation cannot sit down and watch pirates take control of the  waterways in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
He said his group is planning to deploy its men to the Bonny, Bille and Degema rivers to check the activities of pirates
According to him, allowing pirates to take control of these waterways will not only affect the economy of Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region.
He said the paramilitary organisation has the manpower to check piracy on the waterways but required the support of both the federal and state  governments  especially in the  provision of the necessary security equipment such as speed boats.
Amare said the organisation, which protects jetties and waterways from pirates is also involved in search and rescue operations ,adding that his organisation has competent divers who can undertake rescue operations, in deep waters.
“We cannot be sitting down here while our aims and objectives is not being fulfilled. “We want to tell the federal and state governments that we want to come out and join in the fight against sea piracy to make our waterways safe
“The Nigerian Navy cannot do it alone. We want to support the government by deploying our men across waterways in Rivers State and the Niger Delta so that it would be safer for people to travel on the waterways”, he said.
He said the government can assist the organisation by providing them with security boats and other instruments
Amare also disclosed plans by the organisation to embark on a tour of jetties across the region with a view to guaranteeing their safety.
Also speaking, Deputy Commandant, Active Marine Surveillance and Coast Guard Limited, Captain Dain Elekima, said all the creeks in the region need to be combed daily to flush out pirates.
He said his group has the required manpower but needs the support of both the state and federal governments to ensure safety on the waterways.

Speaking the director Finance and Operations Active Marine Surveillance and Coast Guard Limited Captain Emberro Michael said they are ready to work with the Nigerian Navy and Marine police to check all Incidences of insecurity along the waterways.

Captain Michael stressed the need for the federal and state governments to support the group.

By: John Bibor & Claire Julius