May, 25, 2024

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO has arrested two vessels and 12 crew members over aleged handed over Motor Vessel (MV) RIG RUNNER and MV CELTIC EBENEZER, 12 members to Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Bayelsa.

The Commanding Officer FOB FORMOSO, Capt. Murtala Aminu Rogo, said on Saturday that the MV RIG RUNNER was arrested on April 2, by NNS IBENO.

He also said the MV CELTIC EBENEZER was arrested on May 2 by FOB FORMOSO patrol team, both around Madu Oilfield, off the coast of Bayelsa.

Represented by the Executive Officer Commander M.A. Gada, Rogo further stated that at the time of the arrest, both vessels were found to be transiting with their Automatic Identification System switched off.

This, he said, violated the Maritime Law.

“Accordingly, FOB FORMOSO was directed by the Naval Headquarters to hand over both vessels to NIMASA in the presence of the owners representatives.

“FOB FORMOSO will continue to sustain the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on the fight against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and all other forms of illegalities within the Nigerian maritime domain.

“The Nigerian Navy is determined to ensure that the maritime domain remains secured and safe for all legitimate businesses to thrive, toward fulfilment of national security objectives,” he said. (NAN)