By Harris-Okon Emmanuel / Warri
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Usman Jibrin, has lamented the influx of Chinese in Nigeria territorial waters who are now engaging in illegal fishing and other maritime vices.
The Naval boss said of the 38 ships that the Navy has so far impounded since he came on board, eight belong to Chinese.
Jibrin made the disclosure after inspecting Naval facilities in Delta State.
Flanked by top Naval officers, he said that since the Chinese were doing illegal fishing in Nigeria water, it was obvious that they were getting illegal products to service their boats and that ‘‘technically they were involved in illegal bunkering’’.
He said the Navy was being repositioned to fight oil theft, illegal fishing, piracy on the waterways of the country, and hinted that the Federal Government has okayed the purchase of two offshore vessels to ease its operations.
He commended the Federal Government for investing in the Navy to enable it perform its statutory role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, maintaining that the Navy would not shirk in its responsibility to contribute to the present security challenge.
Jibrin also said that four new boats had been deployed to NNS Delta in a bid to strengthen its operations to check social vices on the waterways.
Besides, the Navy top shot in a meeting with the Naval personnel read the riot acts to them, warning that any officer or rating found wanting would be sanctioned in line with the Armed Forces Acts, even as he stated that those who have performed creditably would be recognized.
He told them that the Navy should be seen to be doing a worthwhile duty, and advised them to maintain a cordial relationship with the civilian population as according to him, ‘‘civilians are to be protected by us’’, adding, ‘‘we are not to intimidate them.
‘‘It is an honour to be in the Navy. We are paid to protect them. We are not paid to intimidate them. Our salaries are driven by the payment of taxes from Nigerians and he who pays the piper dictates the tune.’’
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