Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have arrested nine suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal maritime operations.
The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the naval base on Saturday. He said the arrest followed credible intelligence on the illegal activities of a group parading themselves as the “Nigerian Coast Guard.”
According to him, the operation, carried out on Saturday, July 19, led to the apprehension of the group’s coordinator and eight other members.
“Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee arrested the Nigerian Coast Guard Coordinator and eight members of the acclaimed group in Akwa Ibom,” Umar stated.
He explained that the arrest was in enforcement of a Federal Government Official Gazette signed on August 28, 2013, in line with the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Umar stressed that the Nigerian Navy is constitutionally empowered to ensure that illegal maritime organisations do not operate within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“This is in furtherance of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s directive to secure our maritime domain and eliminate threats that could undermine the nation’s economic growth,” he said.
The Navy Commander warned the public against falling victim to unlawful groups that lure innocent citizens with fake recruitment schemes. He urged residents to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
Umar also cautioned illegal bunkerers, pipeline vandals, oil thieves, and sea robbers to desist from their criminal acts or face the full wrath of the law.
“The Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts to pursue, arrest, and prosecute all criminal elements operating within Nigeria’s waters,” he said.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and upholding the rule of law in the fight against maritime-related crimes.
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