Navy warns maritime criminals to stay off Nigerian waterways

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka has warned maritime criminals to stay off Nigerian waterways as the Command has stepped up surveillance to ensure no criminal escape from the command area of responsibility.

The Commander, FOB Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke gave the warning on Friday during the handing over of MT BORA to Blueseas Maritime Company as investigations revealed that the vessel was not culpable.

The commander said that criminal elements in the FOB Ibaka Area of Operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility will continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

He said that such criminals will be arrested and duly prosecuted, warning that Nigerian waters and Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities.

He said that the vessel had earlier been declared a Vessel of Interest (VOI) in an investigation into an illegal ship-to-ship transfer with MT QUEEN HANSAL, a vessel that had been arrested for suspected crude oil theft activities.

He said that the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka had arrested MT BORA around Calabar Channel at Position Lat 04.818054 N, Long 008.31046 E on Jan. 27 with 32 crew members on board 

The commander said that after thorough investigations by the Navy, the vessel was not found guilty, hence the release for it to continue its legitimate businesses.

“The vessel had earlier been declared a Vessel of Interest (VOI) in an investigation into an illegal ship-to-ship transfer with MT QUEEN HANSAL, a vessel that had been arrested for suspected crude oil theft activities.

“Following this investigation, MT BORA was not found guilty, hence the need for her release to continue her normal operations.

“It is worth noting that at the time of arrest, MT BORA had a total number of 32 crew members onboard comprising Seven Philippinos and 25 Nigerians.

“May we also seize the opportunity to warn any individual or groups interested in carrying out any form of criminality in Nigeria’s waters to desist.

“Under the current leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that maritime crimes can’t continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Responding on behalf of MT BORA, Mr Jacob Udoumoh thanked the Nigerian Navy for swiftly investigating and releasing the vessel to continue her normal operations.

Udoumoh said that the vessel would continue to go about its legitimate businesses in line with Nigerian Maritime laws.