YENAGOA (Sundiata Post) – The Bayelsa State Government on Monday banned the use of 200 horse power boats and directed security agencies to commence stop-and-search operations on both land and the waterways.
The decision, which was reached at the state 35th security council meeting in Yenagoa, and presided over by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, was part of efforts to combat kidnapping, sea piracy and other criminal activities.
The ban however excluded only security operatives to use such fast-paced engine boats.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr 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, Mr Desmond Agu.
He said the prohibition took immediate effect.
According to Ogunyanwo, the Council also directed that henceforth no vehicles would be allowed to move in the state with their registration numbers covered just as it advised users of factory tinted glasses to visit the Nigeria Police website to find out the procedure of renewal of such vehicles for compliance on or before the end of March to avoid confiscation.
The police commissioner added that the State Security Council equally advised the public to stop indiscriminate burning of refuse and bushfire as it constitutes grave consequences to public health and facilities.
Declaring the meeting open, Governor Dickson warned those who are allegedly planning to destroy national assets in the state, particularly pipeline vandals, to jettison such plans or face the wrath of the law.
The governor, who condemned the recent explosion that rocked an AGIP facility in Brass Local Government Area of the state, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to combat crime and violence.
He attributed the upsurge in kidnapping and other sponsored criminal acts to political activities that built up into the state governorship elections and assured that his administration in collaboration with all relevant agencies was working round the clock to bring the situation under control.
Calling on perpetrators of the crimes to have a change of heart, Governor Dickson vowed to deal decisively with anyone caught working against peace and security in the state, especially now that elections were over.
He commended security agencies for their efforts at protecting lives and property, sometimes even in the face of difficult working conditions and called on all stakeholders to support them perform their duties better for the good of society.
