Sampson Itode, P/HarcourtThe Nigerian Army, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, and the Chairman of the Degema Local Government Council of Rivers State, Tony Philmoore, have traded blames over the porous security on the Bille-Port Harcourt waterways, which has led to the death of several sea travellers through pirates’ attacks. On his part, Philmoore said despite concerted efforts by the council to improve security on the waterways, the former army commander dismantled several checkpoints in the area as well as disbanded the community policing outfit organised by the local government in collaboration with various security agencies to check piracy in the area. He added that the new commander had shown willingness to work with the people to improve the security of the coastal communities. Philmoore stated, “The previous commander in charge of this area, upon his resumption, destroyed the efficient security architecture that his predecessors and other security agencies in collaboration with the Degema council built; he also dismantled the military checkpoints at strategic positions in the area. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Source: Punch October 30, 2020 00:33 UTC