Abandoned vessels in Lagos Anchorage

Criminals using ships as bases.

Miscreants take over abandoned vessels in Lagos Anchorage

The increasing incidence of abandonment of vessels on Lagos waters is generating concerns in the maritime industry. This is because; criminals and miscreants have started using some of the vessels as base for their nefarious activities, putting the port terminals under risk.

Terminal operators in the ports in Lagos state are worried about the development, because cargoes being discharged at the terminals as well as other equipments and personnel are not safe. Regulatory agencies and security operatives have not been able to address the threat.

This is coming shortly after the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) donated two boats to the Nigeria Navy, which stakeholders said, should have been given to the Nigeria Port Police to patrol the western waters.

But Western Port Police Commissioner, Mrs Hilda Ibifuro Harrison has promised to meet with the director general of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi for assistance in addressing the threat posed by the abandoned vessels littering Nigerian water ways. She said the marine police will further strengthen the synergy with other maritime agencies to protect and secure the ports and terminals under her watch, and added that port police will raid the miscreants out of their hide out.

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Source: dailyindependentnig.com