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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy has handed over a fishing trawler, MFV Seven Star 1 to the Federal Department of Fisheries in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Two of the 14 crew member of the fishing trawler, identified as Indian nationals namely, Mr Suresha Dogra and Mr Punnakal Francis Xavier are to be handed to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Bayelsa Command a while substance is to be handed to the Bayelsa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation.
The fishing trawler was arrested by the Naval patrol team at Brass Terminal and moved to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Egwema, Capt. Murtala Aminu Rogo, represented by the Executive Officer, FOB, Commander Dantani Ishaku Bukar during the hand-over said that the action of the Fishing Trawler and its crew members violated the Sea Fisheries Act of 1992.
He declared that such maritime infraction among others, would not be tolerated by the Nigerian Navy in the bid to sanitise the maritime sector.
According to him, preliminary investigation by the Base revealed that the captain falsely declared 12 members of crew on board as opposed to 14.
He disclosed that the additional two crew were discovered to be on board illegally while two Indians on board were without their passport.
Rogo stated that the Nigerian Navy would not tolerate any act of maritime infractions in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea at large.
“Let me also add that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort towards policing and enforcement of maritime laws.
“To this end, I wish to advise all Mariners to be law abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain for their individual businesses.
“Pertinently, fishing companies and agents must pay particular attention to the instructions in Form B issued to them by the FDF as license and the same must be communicated and understood by the vessel crew to avoid any form of infringement on the state law therein, ‘’ he said.
Rogo pointed that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ikechuchwu Ogalla, is determined to ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain remains secured and safe for all legitimate businesses to thrive towards building a strong nation.
“Accordingly, in line with the provision of Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures on Arrest Detention and Prosecution of Vessel and Person 2016.
“I am directed to hand over Motor Fishing Vessel Seven Stars 1, to representatives of FDF, while the 2 Indians and white substance would be handed over to NIS and NDLEA respectively for further investigation and possible prosecution.
” I want to thank each and every one of you present and pray for journey mercies as you return to your various destinations. Onward together,” he added.
