Nigeria says to tighten the noose on maritime criminals

Nigeria is planning to take strict measures to make its terrain difficult for maritime criminals to operate, the Senate said on Wednesday.

To tighten the noose on maritime criminals, the Senate said it has proposed a special tribunal to facilitate speedy prosecution in cases of arrested vessels, crew members and other alleged maritime crimes.

"We are looking at a situation where all these cases of arrested vessels are taken care of within three months. We shall have a special tribunal to handle cases of arrested vessels so that within three months, all the exhibits are handed over to the appropriate agencies and prosecution is concluded," Isau Maisau, head of the Senate committee on Navy, said.

According to Maisau, the Senate will also put up a legislation to ensure offenders forfeit their vessels to the Nigerian government and to further deter sponsors of maritime crimes.

The Nigerian government has been working hand in glove to sanitize and strengthen the maritime sector for economic growth.

In August, the government deployed 39 locally-made gunboats and 45 operational vehicles to enhance the fight against maritime crime.

The gunboats, built by the Nigerian Navy, have been fitted with appropriate weapons and anti-ballistic protection to enhance optimal efficiency. Endit