The Nigerian Navy has arrested a vessel, ”Motor Tanker Harbor Spirit”, and 13 Nigerians on board conveying a fortified and auctioned crude oil from MV KOME XVIII with a forged document.
In a statement he issued in Abuja, the Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan said that both the vessel and the suspects have been handed over to the Forward Operating Base Bonny for further investigation.
“The vessel has been subsequently boarded by the NN and her 13 crew men, all Nigerians, have been arrested and handed over to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, for further investigation and possible handover for prosecution” he said.
A vessel, MT QUEEN OF PEACE was arrested a few days ago for unauthorised possession of petroleum product without valid documents.
These arrests according to the statement, shows the resolve of the NN to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of all infractions and illegalities for legitimate maritime activities towards boosting economic growth of Nigeria.
The Navy launched Operation ”Obangame Express”, consisting of multi-national maritime exercise in West Africa with 32 other countries participating in their respective maritime area. The exercise is to avail the participating countries the opportunity to showcase how they have been able to manage their respective maritime environment against illegal activities.