The Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi has showered praises on the officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism in combating insurgency even in the face of unwarranted criticisms.
The DG said this when the commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General David Lubo paid a familiarization visit to the Agency.
While commending the detachment of Nigerian Army personnel posted to the Agency’s Maritime Guard Command, Mr. Akpobolokemi assured the Brigade Commander of NIMASA’s continuous cooperation especially in the area of securing the Nigerian maritime domain.
According to the Director General, “piracy and sea robbery have taken on violent dimensions employing the use of fire arms and the Agency is not empowered to bear arms. This necessitated the Agency to enter into Memoranda of Understanding with the relevant security Agencies with a view to properly responding to these incidences”.
Reacting to this, Brigadier General David Lubo expressed readiness of his Brigade to partner with NIMASA to enforce security within the provisions of the law and also noted with satisfaction the manner with which the Agency has handled the welfare of troops deployed to NIMASA.
He commended the DG and members of his management for the giant strides so far recorded in the maritime sector and urged him to remain focused on his assignment
