The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transport of Nigeria  has called for more marine police officers to combat crimes on the Lagos State waterways.

ATBOWATN President, Mr Tarzan Balogun, made the call in an interview with reporters  in Lagos on Tuesday.

Balogun said that with the security challenges in Nigeria, the waterways had become alternative routes of escape for criminals.

He said the Federal and Lagos State Governments should, in addition to deploying more officers, provide the necessities for them to function effectively and efficiently.

For a smooth operation, he suggested the provision of new speedboats with big engine horsepower and improved maintenance.

In addition, he mentioned the lighting up of waterways and the supply of powerful ammunition as some of the other areas to improve upon.

According to him, if all the aforementioned basic needs are provided, it will help to fight kidnapping and other criminal activities on the waterways.