BY Taiwo George
Haruna Jauro, acting director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has ordered investigation into the abduction of the captain and four crew members of a Polish cargo vessel that was attacked off Nigeria’s coast on Friday.
According to Lami Tumaka, spokeswoman of the agency, the navy and other security agencies are working to secure their release.
“The vessel MV SZAFIR operating under the Cyprus flag was reportedly attacked on Friday 27/11/15 approximately seven nautical miles east of Brass at about 0149 hours local time,” Tumaka said in a statement.
“Registered with IMO No.9004504, the vessel which is owned by Voltaire Shipping Company and operated by Euroafrica Services Nigeria Limited had a total of 16 crew members and was enroute Onne port from Antwerp before it was attacked.
“Eleven of the crew members were left on the vessel after the abduction.
“The vessel which has been rescued by NIMASA is currently being sailed to Onne port under the Nigerian Navy escort for protection and further investigation.
“Security agencies have commenced a spirited search for the abducted crew with a view to freeing them and bringing the perpetrators of the abduction to book.”
Speaking at a press conference in Poland shortly after their abduction, Witold Waszczykowski, Polish foreign minister, said his country would not get directly involved in the bid to secure the release of the captives, unless asked to do so.
“This is a responsibility of the sovereign state of Nigeria,” he had said.
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