NAVY TO ENFORCE BAN ON 200 HP OUTBOARD ENGINES IN NIGERIAN WATERWAYS.
The Nigerian Navy said on Thursday that following renewed threats of piracy and smuggling in the nation’s coastal waters, it will soon commence implementation of the ban imposed on the use of 200 horse powered (HP) Outboard Engines by seafarers and companies particularly in the Niger Delta.
The Navy said, “The measure which is part of strategic efforts by the Service to ensure that the nation’s coastal waterways are secure for legitimate activities, became necessary due to the fact that pirates and other criminals use this high powered caliber engines to proceed into international waters within the Gulf of Guinea.
A statement from naval headquarters further said “It has also been observed that the criminals carry out their nefarious activities at sea with the aid of this class of engines which are mounted on boats stowed on mother ships.
“In recent times, the Nigerian Navy and its maritime security partners especially Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta have confiscated many boats with 200 horse power outboard engines.
“Some of the confiscated engines have been released to their owners after strict profiling exercises. However investigation has proven that people of questionable characters whose interest are in breach of security in the waterways use this class of high powered engines to perpetuate crimes.
“In this regard, the Nigerian Navy solicits the cooperation of State Governments in the coastal areas on the restriction and profiling of this class of outboard engines. Currently, the Government of Delta and Bayelsa States have provided necessary support to the Nigerian Navy and its maritime Security partners.
Towards this end, “The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is working with various state governments of the coastal states to ensure that individuals and corporate organizations who are in possession of or wishing to acquire outboard engines in the capacity of 200 and above horse powers should register with the Nigerian Navy”.
“The registration and profiling which would be free, is a step towards ensuring that only authorized persons and corporate organizations are allowed to use this class of engines on Nigeria’s coastal waters. Besides, this step will establish a credible data base of users of the boats fitted with these high caliber engines” the statement signed by Commodore Christian Ezekobe said.
“In this regard, the Nigerian Navy solicits the cooperation of State Governments in the coastal areas on the restriction and profiling of this class of outboard engines. Currently, the Government of Delta and Bayelsa States has provided necessary support to the Nigerian Navy and its maritime Security partners” it added.
END
