The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced search rescue operations for the abducted 12 crew members onboard MV Glarus owned by Allison Shipping which was hijacked off Bonny Island in Rivers State to ensure that they are found and released unconditionally.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, stated that NIMASA is working closely with the Forward Operation Base (FOB) and the Falcon Eye of the Nigerian Navy along with other relevant security Agencies.
Dr. Dakuku who condemned the act noted that the Agency is saddened about the attack and assured that NIMASA will not leave any stone unturned in the rescue mission. He also assured that the perpetrators of this act and others of its kind are brought to book.
“The issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a challenge we acknowledge and we are determined to tackle it head-on. We will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant partners to ensure we bring it to a halt. Zero tolerance to piracy and all forms of illegalities on our nation’s waterways is our goal,” Peterside said.
Massoel Shipping, operator of MV Glarus, said the Swiss vessel carrying wheat was travelling between Lagos and Port Harcourt when it was boarded by pirates, who took 12 away of the 19 crew members.
It said the attack happened around 45 nautical miles south-west of Bonny Island.
