The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta gave a merchant fishing boat, Lily IV, and 15 suspects to the Department of Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture, Edo State, for more investigation.
The suspects and the boat were given to Mr Iwanegbe America from the Edo Fishery Department at the Navy base jetty in Warri.
The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin, represented by the Executive Officer of the NNS Delta, Navy Capt. Solomon Paul, released the boat and the suspects.
Muhsin stated that the boat and the suspects were caught on March 11, 2024, in Forcados, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.
He explained that the boat with the suspects onboard was captured for allegedly entering the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform.
He mentioned, “We are here to give over MFV Lily IV and 15 suspects including 14 Nigerians and one Ghanaian.
“On March 11, 2024, MV Kingston, a private maritime security company vessel belonging to the Ocean Marine Services, hired by Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited.
“The Nigerian Navy personnel on board intercepted and arrested the merchant fishing boat, Lily IV. The boat was then taken into custody by the Forward Operation Base, Escravos for investigation on March 13.
“Preliminary investigation showed that there was insufficient proof to show that MFV Lily IV entered the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform.
“The investigation disclosed that two of the crew members were not listed on the boat’s manifest.”
Muhsin cautioned sailors to refrain from breaking the maritime laws within the nation’s territorial waters, emphasizing that any violator would be penalized accordingly.
Accepting the boat and the suspects, America, an Assistant Director, Department of Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture, Edo, praised the Navy for the good work.
“I am accepting the boat and the suspects from the Navy. They have done a good job. The Department of Fishery will take further steps and they may face prosecutions,” America said.
