In order to check militancy in the Niger Delta region, a group, the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coastal Defence Force, has sent a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking recognition.
The group also wants to be involved in the protection of waterways.
The group said it was ready to assist to check importation of illegal and sophisticated weapons through sea by kidnappers and militants.
Speaking in Abuja, the leader of the group, Commodore Ichukwu Agaba, said a letter for recognition was also dispatched to the Senate and the Federal Ministry of Justice in 2015, seeking a legal framework and empowerment for them to play roles in protection of the waterways.
He noted that the group had come up with strategies and was ready to work towards total eradication of illegal oil bunkering.
According to him, some personnel have already been deployed to some coastal states to confront the security challenges there but were waiting for government’s approval.
