Jonathan Nwokpor
The Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Edo State, has received 15 suspects and a Merchant Fishing Vessel (MFV), Lily IV, from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Delta, for further investigation.
In Forcados, the Burutu local government area of Delta State, the suspects were arrested on March 11, 2024.
At the Navy base jetty in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, the suspects—14 Nigerians and one Ghanaian—as well as the vessel, were turned over to Mr. Iwanegbe America, a representative of the Fishery Department.
In place of Commodore Abba Muhsin, the Commander of NNS Delta, the suspects and the vessel were turned over by Navy Capt Solomon Paul, the Executive Officer of the NNS Delta.
The suspects’ vessel was seized for allegedly breaking into the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform, according to Commodore Muhsin, who was speaking to reporters.
“We are here to hand over MFV Lily IV and 15 suspects comprising 14 Nigerians and one Ghanaian.
“On March 11, 2024, MV Kingston, a private maritime security company vessel belonging to the Ocean Marine Services (OMS) contracted by Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC) Nigeria Limited, with the Nigerian Navy personnel onboard, intercepted and arrested a Merchant Fishing Vessel, Lily IV. The vessel was consequently taken under custody by the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos, for investigation on March 13.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that there was insufficient evidence to prove that MFV Lily IV entered the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform.
“The investigation revealed that two of the crew members were not registered on the vessel’s manifest,” he said.
Commodore Muhsin issued a warning to sailors not to break any maritime rules while in the country’s territorial waters, emphasizing that anyone who did so would face the consequences.
According to him, this was only one of the Nigerian Navy’s many initiatives to maintain the safety of Nigerian seas for improved commercial and maritime operations.
According to the Naval Boss, the NNS Delta was committed to clearing its Area of Operation of all illegal activities, which was a part of the Navy’s Coast Guard role in nation-building.
However, Commodore Muhsin expressed gratitude to all of the government organizations and civic-minded members of society who had helped them in their efforts to purge the marine realm of illicit activity.
Mr. America, an Assistant Director in the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture, Edo, praised the Navy for a job well done after receiving the vessel and the suspects.
“I am receiving the vessel and the suspects from the Navy. They have done a good job. The Department of Fishery will take further steps and they may face prosecutions,” America said.
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