Illegal bunkering: Navy hands over vessel 13 crew members to EFCC

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO has handed over Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) TRADE WIND and 13 crew members to the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) for illegal bunkering activities in Bayelsa State.

The Commanding Officer FOB FORMOSO Capt. Muritala Rogo said MFT TRADE WIND was arrested on February 7 around Brass offshore for allegedly receiving about 40,000 litres of illegally refined AGO around Fish Town River on February 5.

The vessel subsequently supplied to other vessels at sea, and upon arrest, samples were collected from the product onboard, tested and confirmed to be illegally refined.

The Commanding Officer said it us an act of economic sabotage which would not be tolerated by the Nigerian Navy and would not relent in its effort towards policing and enforcement of all maritime laws to get rid of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering activities and other crimes in the Nigerian maritime domain.

Rogo, who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Lt.- Commander. Haruna Ranga, at the handing-over event, advised all fishing trawlers to obtain bunker approval from appropriate naval authorities and purchase their products from approved sources.

He said that the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) must through the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) warn all fishing trawlers to desist from buying illegally refined AGO from the creeks and also stop using fishing trawlers to aid illegalities at sea.

He stated that Operation DELTA SANITY, which was charged under the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.J Bura is determined to end the menace of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and criminality within the Nigerian waters.

“The NN under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla is determined to ensure that Nigerian maritime domain remains secured and safe for all legitimate businesses to thrive towards building a stronger nation,” he said.