Nigeria-Benin maritime operations curtail piracy-Yayi
Uche Aneke, Abuja
President Boni Yayi of Republic of Benin on Sunday in Abuja said that the joint military patrol of the territorial waters of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin had significantly reduced the incidence of piracy.
Yayi was addressing State House correspondents after his closed-door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He said that the joint military operation was established after his last visit to Nigeria in September.
Piracy to a halt
“The last time we were talking about piracy on our coast; we now have a joint operation between Nigeria and Benin.
“I came to brief President Jonathan about the joint military operations and thank him for his efforts at ensuring safety along our common borders.
“The people of Benin are very happy with what we are doing together," Yayi said.
Speaking on the same subject, Beninoise Chief of Defense Staff, Boni Mathew said that the joint military operations had brought piracy to a halt along the Nigeria-Benin coast.
Curb smuggling
“Currently there is an ongoing naval operation on our seas, so as to deter pirates from operating in our territorial waters.
“I think this has so far been successful, as there has been no more attacks, apart from some minor incidents here and there," he said.
He noted in particular that the operation had helped to curb the smuggling of light weapons, while facilitating the recovery of cars stolen from both countries.
Hajia Sani |
