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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, recorded another success against illegality in Nigeria’s territorial waters as it handed over Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) OLOKUN XIV and 12 crew members to the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) in Bayelsa.
The Commanding Officer FOB FORMOSO Capt. Murtala Aminu Rogo, stated that MFT OLOKUN XIV was arrested on April 6, 2024 around Madu Oil Field Offshore trawling with an inoperative Automatic Identification System (AIS), which violates the maritime law and would not be tolerated by the Nigerian Navy (NN).
Rogo, who was represented by the Executive Officer, Commander M.A Gada said that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort towards policing and enforcement of all maritime laws to get rid of all forms of crimes in the Nigerian maritime domain.
“I wish to advise all mariners to be law abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain. Pertinently, the Federal Department of Fisheries must through the Nigerian Trawler Operators Association (NTOA) warn all fishing trawlers to desist from using fishing trawlers to aid illegalities at sea,” he said.
Rogo urged the FDF to ensure speedy investigation, adding that the Navy is expecting an official notification of the outcome of the investigation at the appropriate time.
He reiterated that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla is determined to ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain remains secured and safe for all legitimate businesses to thrive.
