Navy arrests four suspected pirates in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has announced the arrest of four alleged sea pirates suspected to be behind various breach of maritime security in the nation’s waterways.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder, Base Information Officer, Lt.-Cdr. Abdulsalam Sani, on Sunday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
It stated that the suspects were arrested by troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Burutu, while on routine patrol.
The statement quoted the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base Bonny, Navy Captain Matthew Daupreye, as saying that it impounded three cutlasses, four knives and pumping machines from the suspects.
It added that three hammers, cell phones, eye glasses and an undisclosed amount of money were also recovered from the suspects.
The statement reads in part: “In continuation of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to put an end to criminal activities at the nation’s maritime domain; four suspected sea robbers were arrested on December 2.
“The suspects were arrested while operating in two wooden boats at about 1,200 at anchorage off Bonny Fairway buoy in Rivers.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are responsible for various breach of maritime security which disrupts the nation’s economic growth.
“The Navy will continue to maintain 24-hour presence at sea and waterways in line with the mission and vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, to eliminate sea piracy and illegal bunkering.”
It said the suspects had been handed over to the Bonny Island Divisional Police Officer, SP Sunday Okuguni, for further investigation and prosecution.