The Bayelsa State government has asked owners of engine boats with a speed capacity of 200 horsepower and above, plying the waterways of the state, to make them available for registration.

The directive was issued to check the recent rise in cases of kidnapping and sundry criminal activities in the state and its environs.

It was part of the decisions reached at the 32nd State Security Council meeting held in Yenagoa, the capital of state on Sunday.

Declaring the meeting open, Governor Seriake Dickson vowed not to allow perpetrators of crime and violence use the state as a launch path to truncate the prevailing peace and stability in the Niger Delta Region.

After the meeting opened, reports were asked to leave the meeting to enable the security agencies effectively map out ways to end the spate of kidnapping in the state.

After the meeting, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Okafor, briefed reporters on decisions reached.

Mr. Okafor reiterated the determination of the state command and other security agencies to combat crime and criminality, with a renewed vigour, especially as the date for the state governorship election is approaching.

He further expressed optimism that registering such boats for easy identification would help to check the menace. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Gov. Dickson