Military Issues Fresh Maritime Advisory Warning as Water Levels Rise

The Maritime Component of Operation Whirl Stroke has released a detailed safety advisory to communities along the river following a marked increase in water levels caused by the current rainy season. The advisory warns that stronger currents and turbulence now present greater dangers to inland water transport.

Following orders from Force Commander Major General Moses Gara, Maritime Component Commander Lieutenant Commander Dusse Christopher Zakari urged mariners, boat operators, passengers and residents involved in economic activities on waterways within the Joint Operations Area to observe strict safety protocols to avoid accidents and loss of life.

Acting Media Information Officer Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu noted that the seasonal rise in water volume has made waterways more unpredictable, raising the risk of boat mishaps if precautions are ignored.

“In view of the foregoing, all mariners and boat operators are hereby directed to strictly adhere to safety precautions,” the statement read.

Required measures include compulsory life‑jacket use for all passengers and crew, provision of at least one life buoy per boat, and a firm ban on overloading beyond approved capacity.

Operators must also carry essential safety gear such as functional torch‑lights, spare spark plugs and tarpaulins for emergencies.

Mariners were further instructed to refrain from polluting waterways with non‑biodegradable waste, while maritime unions are required to enforce a ban on night sailing.

Water‑transport operations are limited to the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily for safety and security reasons.

All boat operators are expected to register with their respective unions and carry valid identification while operating on the waterways. Riverine residents are urged to report any suspicious or criminal activity promptly to security agencies.

Lieutenant Commander Zakari warned that non‑compliance would result in sanctions under existing regulations, emphasizing that maritime unions must ensure strict adherence among their members.

He reaffirmed that the Maritime Component of Operation Whirl Stroke remains dedicated to protecting lives, safeguarding property and ensuring the security of waterways within its area of responsibility, and called for full public cooperation with the advisory and ongoing vigilance.