June 25, 2024

The Nigerian Navy, NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, says it has arrested an unnamed vessel and nine persons over alleged threat to maritime safety in the state.

The Commander, Commodore Martins Fakrogha, confirmed the arrest to newsmen at Helms Jetty in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom on Tuesday.

Fakrogha said that the vessel and the suspects were arrested at about 9.30p.m on Sunday following reliable intelligence information.

“Upon getting the report, we swung into action, we apprehended the vessel which is about 70 meters long and eight meters wide

“Inside the vessel, we discovered six tanks with a capacity of 120,000 litres each, and a total capacity of about 780,000 litres,” Fakrogha said.

Fakrogha further said that although the tanks in the vessels were empty, the movement of the vessel was a threat to the maritime safety of the nation.

“There was no form of safety in the vessel, it is a self-propelled nameless vessel with three inbuilt mantra-made engines.

“It is the duty of the Nigerian Navy to ensure that Nigerian waterways are safe for legitimate business men and women to use, we are committed to this duty,” he said.

The commander urged boat owners and jetty managers in the state to always adhere to safety precautions.

He said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had zero tolerance for martine crime and any form of waterways economic sabotage.

He commended the Joint Tasks Force for its doggedness and resilience in protecting the waterways.(NAN)