In its efforts to neutralize pirates along The New Calabar River and adjoining creeks, the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Tony Philmoore, on Thursday, commissioned a special squad from the Office of the Inspector General of Police to provide auxiliary services for the army and the marine police in fighting crime along the waterways of Degema Local Government Area.
Recall that travellers along the waterways have been attacked consistently by pirates resulting in over ten deaths and loss of properties worth millions in the past months.
The chairman advised the patrol team to be conscientious in carrying out their duties and shun the temptations that come with crime-fighting.
The police patrol team will work with army units at 29 Battalion in Bille and another unit of 130 Battalion stationed in Bakana.
Earlier, Delga Area Commander, ACP John Mark, said subsequent upon the chairman’s SOS call to the police authorities in relation to upsurge in piracy, cultism and other violent crimes in his local government area, the Inspector General of Police approved the deployment of a special marine squad familiar with the territory to patrol the major rivers with a view to protecting seafarers and travelers from pirate attacks.
ACP Mark said the special marine squad which was a further boost to community policing, was made up of trusted men that had been through rigorous profiling by the Nigeria Police and were expected to be above board in their activities even as they perform the duties of a civilian JTF.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police expressed the hope that other council bosses would emulate Degema in ensuring the security of lives and properties.
