By Amos Okioma
The Bayelsa State Police Command has deployed 16 patrol gunboats and 6, 000 policemen to tackle sea piracy and criminality in Bayelsa waterways to ensure that the water channels were safe.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, disclosed this in Yenagoa during a visit by members of the State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) at the weekend.
The CLO team was led by its Chairman, Chief Nengi James.
Amba said that the 6,000 personnel had been deployed and were undergoing marine training.
The commissioner said that intelligence report gathered by the police showed that the Delta and Rivers waterways had recorded relative calm due to synergy of the various state commands.
He, however, admitted that there were still some challenges with sea piracy in the state, pledging that the police would soon deal with sea pirates terrorising the state’s waterways.
Amba said that 14 of the 16 gunboats being deployed were refurbished by the Bayelsa government, while two were procured by the Zonal Command of the Police.
“The governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, has directed that 14 gun boats be repaired for the operation and two donated by the Police high command. The 6,000 personnel needed are being trained,” he said.
On prison congestion and recent cell break at the State Anti-Robbery squad office, Amba blamed the deplorable state of police detention facilities and the slow judicial processes for the development.
Amba said that the proposal for the construction of a new and secured SARS’ cell and the amendment to improve the judicial process had been submitted to the relevant authorities. “Most police cells are not good in Bayelsa. Also, the slow process of the Bayelsa judiciary is not helping matters.
“Out of all the states of the South South, Bayelsa court’s process is the slowest. All cases depend on Director of Public Prosecution’s clearance and when the case is cleared, it does not move forward.
” I have met with the Chief Judge of the state on the matter. I have also met with state Governor on the issue. When a police custody is congested, the inmates become agitated.” Amba said.
In his presentation, the State Chairman, CLO commended the Bayelsa Police Command for the recent successes recorded in the state.
James noted that though some personel of the command were doing well, others had been continually engaged in alleged extortion of members of the public.
He also alleged that some policemen usually demanded bribes before granting bails in the state.