Navy Seizes Vessel, Arrests 14 In Akwa Ibom for Illegal Fishing

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, in the Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, disrupted a Vessel that specialize in illicit marine operations, such as fishing within the maritime borders of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The operation’s vessel was seized by the agents, who also detained fourteen individuals.

Captain Uche Aneke, the base’s commanding officer, revealed this information to the media when he turned over the suspects and the vessel to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the nearby Cross River State town of Calabar yesterday,

According to Aneke, the suspects—four Ghanaians and ten accomplices from Nigeria—were apprehended within five nautical miles of one another across the Calabar canal.

According to the naval chief, the suspects were illegally trawling in the Calabar channel, which is against the regulations governing fisheries, when the vessel was detained.

He recognized the ship as MFT – LAMU 1, registered under the number LA 799.

Aneke, who recalled that armed sentries had been placed on board the ship for protection and that the suspects had been formally instructed not to disembark, said: “This incident came to light after a report from the Eastern Regional Control Center (ERCC), Calabar, indicating that MFT – LAMU 1, had been involved in illegal fishing activities within five nautical miles offshore the Calabar channel, within FOB Ibaka’s area of operation.”

In accordance with the strategic directions of the Chief of the Naval Staff, he guaranteed that the FOB, operating within the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility (AOR), will continue to be dedicated to respecting Nigeria’s maritime laws and making sure the coastal waters are sustainable for the country’s development.

Mrs. Stella Auforo, a fisheries officer at the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Calabar, complimented the navy for securing the marine waters after receiving the suspects.

She declared that the department would look into the allegations and take the necessary measures.