The Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Navy, Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State has arrested and handed over four Ghanaians and 10 Nigerian suspects to the Federal Department of Fisheries, Calabar, Cross River State.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB, Captain Uche Aneke, handed over the vessel and suspects on Wednesday.
He said they were arrested near the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited floating station in Ibaka Beach on September 14 for illegal trawling.
Aneke said the vessel was arrested within Calabar Channel, where they were actively engaged in illegal trawling.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Motor Fishing Trawler, LAMU 1, with registration number LA799, was arrested at 3:20pm on September 14.
“This incident came to light after a report from Eastern Regional Control Centre, Calabar indicated that MFT LAMU 1 had been involved in illegal fishing activities within five nautical miles offshore the Calabar Channel and within FOB Ibaka’s area of operation,” Aneke said.
Also Read:
- Ned Nwoko advises FG, CBN against short cut to naira appreciation
- Experts meet in Akure on Tinubu’s economic policies
- NANTA elects new president, other executives
- LG polls: Ibadan residents defy movement restriction order, security agents desert streets
- Oyo LG polls: Voters calmly await arrival of late officials
The Commanding Officer said that the Command was committed to upholding Nigeria’s maritime laws and ensuring the sustainability of the coastal waters for national development in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategic directives.
Responding, Stella Anuforo, Fisheries Officer II, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Annex, Calabar, thanked the Navy for securing the maritime environment.
Anuforo said the Department would further investigate the culprits and if found wanting, appropriate action would be taken against them.