Ban on fish smuggling from Baga still in force ―GOC

The Nigerian Army, 8 Task Force Division says the ban on fish smuggling and sea foods between Baga, Mongunu and Maiduguri in Borno is still in force.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Division, Maj. Gen. Ali Nani said this in a statement issued by Col. Timothy Antigha, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Department in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Nani reiterated the ban while receiving the executive committee members of Fish Producers and Marketers Association, and the Nigerian Union of Fishermen and Sea Food Dealers in his office in Monguno.

According to him, the temporary prohibition of fishing on Nov. 22, 2016, is not aimed at denying people legitimate means of livelihood and income.

He said it was to prevent members of the Boko Haram sect from exploiting marine resources of Lake Chad and using the revenue accruing to finance terrorism against the country.

“I urge you to view this ban on fishing and the hardship you experience as your own contribution to the effort to defeat Boko Haram and restore normalcy to this region,” Nani said.

On the controversy of roles and responsibilities among the two bodies, Nani enjoined them to resolve their differences through negotiation and dialogue.

He urged them to desist from dragging the division into a purely internal dispute between the two bodies.

Also speaking on the dispute, the Chairman Monguno Local Council, Alhaji Liman Kalla urged the bodies to settle their differences amicably and also consult their respective constitutions for necessary guidance.

Earlier, the two groups led by Alhaji Abacha Mandalama and Alhaji Abubakar Gamadi appealed to the GOC to lift the ban on fishing.

Source: NAN