Nigeria’s military maritime unit has issued a fresh warning to residents of riverine communities over rising water levels, announcing stricter enforcement of water safety regulations aimed at preventing accidents and loss of lives.
The unit said the measures include the compulsory use of life jackets by all passengers and boat operators, adherence to established safety protocols and a ban on night sailing across affected waterways.
Military authorities urged community leaders, transport operators and residents to cooperate with security personnel, stressing that the restrictions are designed to protect lives as water levels continue to increase during the rainy season.
Officials warned that failure to comply with the directives would attract appropriate sanctions, adding that regular patrols and monitoring operations have been intensified to ensure full enforcement.
The maritime unit also appealed to boat owners to avoid overloading vessels, carry out routine safety checks and prioritise passenger welfare, noting that collective responsibility is essential to reducing the risk of avoidable tragedies on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The advisory comes amid growing concerns over seasonal flooding and water-related incidents in several riverine areas, with authorities calling on the public to remain vigilant and strictly observe all safety guidelines.
