Navy nabs 14 suspects, seizes vessel in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State has arrested 14 suspects and seized a vessel for illegal trawling.

Speaking on Wednesday in Ibaka during the handover of the 14 suspects and vessel to the Federal Department of Fisheries, Calabar, FOB Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke said the suspects were arrested near the NNPC floating station in Ibaka Beach on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Aneke said that the vessel, a Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) LAMU 1, with registration number LA799 was arrested by 15: 20 pm on September 14 within Calabar Channel, where the vessel was actively engaged in illegal trawling activities.

He said FOB was committed to upholding Nigeria’s Maritime laws and ensuring the sustainability of the coastal waters for National development, in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategic directives.

“Sequel to the interception and arrest of fishing trawler MFT LAMU 1, with registration number LA799, on Thursday, Sept. 14th for illegal trawling.

“This incident came to light after a report from Eastern Regional Control Centre, Calabar indicated that MFT LAMU 1, had been involved in illegal fishing activities within five nautical miles offshore the Calabar Channel, within FOB Ibaka’s area of operation,” he stated.

In her response, Mrs Stella Anuforo, Fisheries Officer II, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Annex Calabar, thanked the Navy for their efforts in securing the maritime environment.

She said that the Federal Department of Fisheries would further investigate the culprits, and if found culpable, appropriate action would be taken against them.