In a bid to stem the high rate of crime on the waterways, the Bayelsa State Government has announced the ban on the use of 200 horsepower engine boats and directed security agencies to commence stop and search operations on both land and the waterways.
In a bid to stem the high rate of crime on the waterways, the Bayelsa State Government has announced the ban on the use of 200 horsepower engine boats and directed security agencies to commence stop and search operations on both land and the waterways.
The decision was made during the 35th State Security Council Meeting in Yenagoa the State’s capital. The meeting was presided over by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and was part of the efforts to combat kidnapping, sea piracy, and other criminal activities.
However, the ban did not extend to security operatives who are still allowed to use high-powered speedboats.
The State Commissioner of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, spoke with journalists, shortly after the meeting held alongside the Commander, Joint Forces, Major General Alani Okunlola, and the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Desmond Agu.
He said the ban would take effect immediately.
According to Mr. Ogunyanwo, the Council also directed that henceforth no vehicles will be allowed to move in the State with their registration numbers covered.
The Council also advised users of factory tinted glasses to visit the Nigeria Police website to find out the procedure of the renewal of such vehicles for compliance on or before the end of March this year to avoid confiscation.
The Police Commissioner added that, the State Security Council equally advised residents of the State to stop the indiscriminate burning of refuse and bushfire, as it constitutes grave consequences to public health and facilities.
For his part, Governor Dickson handed down a stern warning to those, who are allegedly planning to destroy national assets in the State, particularly pipeline vandals.
The Governor condemned in strong terms the recent explosion that rocked an AGIP facility in Brass Local Government Area (LGA) of the State. He went to reaffirm his administration's commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to combat crime and violence.