Nigerian Navy hands over Ghanaian, 15 others for investigation

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has taken a significant step in maritime law enforcement by handing over 15 suspects and a Merchant Fishing Vessel (MFV), Lily IV, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Fishery, Edo State, for further investigation.

The suspects, consisting of 14 Nigerians and one Ghanaian, were apprehended on March 11, 2024, in Forcados, Burutu local government area of Delta State, and were subsequently transferred to the Navy base jetty in Warri, Delta State.

Executive Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Navy Capt. Solomon Paul, represented Commodore Abba Muhsin, the Commander, NNS Delta, in the handover ceremony.

Commodore Muhsin emphasized the vessel’s alleged illegal entry into the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform as the basis for the apprehension.

According to Commodore Muhsin, the investigation revealed discrepancies in the vessel’s crew manifest, leading to suspicions of unlawful activities. However, upon preliminary investigation, insufficient evidence was found to support the vessel’s intrusion into the exclusion zone.

The Commander issued a stern warning to mariners to adhere strictly to maritime laws within Nigerian territorial waters, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to ensuring safety and security for maritime activities.

Furthermore, he reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s determination to eliminate illegalities within its area of operation, highlighting the significance of such efforts in bolstering national security and facilitating lawful commercial activities.

In response, Mr. Iwanegbe America, representing the Department of Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture, Edo State, commended the Nigerian Navy for its diligence and pledged to pursue appropriate legal actions against the suspects following further investigation.