Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi has commended the professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in combating insurgency even in the face of unwarranted criticisms.
The NIMASA DG said this when the commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier 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, Akpobolokemi assured the Brigade Commander of NIMASA’s continuous cooperation especially in the area of securing the Nigerian maritime domain.
“Piracy and sea robbery have taken on violent dimensions employing the use of firearms 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,” he said.
In his response, Lubo expressed readiness to partner with NIMASA to enforce security within the provisions of the law. He also noted with satisfaction the manner with which the agency handled the welfare of troops deployed to NIMASA.
He commended Akpobolokemi 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.
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