Army Operation Whirl Stroke Issues Security Advisory for Mariners and Riverine Communities as Water Levels Rise

The Maritime Component of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Whirl Stroke, led by Force Commander Major General Moses Gara, has issued a security advisory for the marine community.

On Tuesday, Lieutenant Commander Dusse Christopher Zakari, the Maritime Component Commander, warned mariners, boat operators, passengers, and residents who rely on inland waterways within the Joint Operations Area that the rainy season has caused a significant rise in water levels.

“This increase in water volume is often accompanied by strong currents and turbulence, which can pose serious risks to water transportation and other riverine activities,” Zakari said. “As a result, there is a heightened risk of boat accidents that could lead to loss of life and property if proper safety measures are not followed,” he added.

The advisory urges all mariners and boat operators to observe the following safety precautions:

• Ensure that every passenger and crew member wears a life jacket at all times while aboard.
• Maintain at least one life buoy on the vessel.
• Avoid overloading boats beyond their approved carrying capacities.
• Carry essential safety and emergency equipment, including functional torchlights, extra spark plugs, and tarpaulins.
• Refrain from polluting waterways with non‑biodegradable materials and other waste products.

Maritime unions are required to enforce a ban on night sailing, limiting operations to the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily for security reasons.

The advisory also states that all boat operators must register with their respective unions and carry valid identification while operating on the waterways.

Lieutenant Commander Zakari warned that defaulters who fail to comply with these safety directives will face sanctions in accordance with existing regulations. He called on all mariners’ unions to ensure strict enforcement and compliance among their members.