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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Nigeria Maritime Component Warns Riverine Communities of Rising Water Levels, Issues Safety Advisory

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Maritime Component of Operation Whirl Stroke issued a safety advisory to riverine communities due to rising water levels and increased currents.
  • Mariners and boat operators must adhere to safety measures, including wearing life jackets, avoiding overloading, and carrying essential equipment.
  • Night sailing is banned, and operations are restricted to daylight hours, with defaulters facing sanctions.

The Maritime Component of Operation Whirl Stroke has issued a comprehensive safety advisory to communities along Nigeria's waterways. Acting on directives from Force Commander Major General Moses Gara, the component's commander, Lieutenant Commander Dusse Christopher Zakari, warned mariners and boat operators about heightened risks from increased currents and turbulence due to the ongoing rainy season.

In view of the foregoing, all mariners and boat operators are hereby directed to strictly adhere to safety precautions.

— Lieutenant Ahmad ZubairuStatement from the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke detailing the new safety measures.

A statement from Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, highlighted that the seasonal rise in water volume makes waterways unpredictable, increasing the likelihood of boat mishaps if precautions are ignored. Key safety measures mandated include the compulsory wearing of life jackets for all passengers and crew, ensuring at least one life buoy per boat, and strictly prohibiting overloading.

Operators must also carry essential safety equipment like functional torch-lights and spare spark plugs. The advisory further directs mariners to avoid polluting waterways with non-biodegradable waste. Maritime unions are tasked with enforcing a ban on night sailing, restricting water transport operations to between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily for safety and security. All boat operators are required to register with their unions and carry valid identification.

Operators are also required to carry essential safety equipment such as functional torch-lights, spare spark plugs and tarpaulins for emergency situations.

— Lieutenant Ahmad ZubairuDetails of the mandatory safety equipment for boat operators.

Riverine residents are urged to report any suspicious or criminal activity to security agencies. Lieutenant Commander Zakari warned that defaulters would face sanctions according to existing regulations, emphasizing the unions' responsibility for strict compliance. Operation Whirl Stroke reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property on the waterways, seeking public cooperation and vigilance.

Defaulters would be sanctioned in line with existing regulations, stressing that maritime unions must ensure strict compliance among their members.

— Lieutenant Commander ZakariWarning regarding consequences for non-compliance with the new advisory.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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