Forces arrest 84 vessels in 5 months

The Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation PULO SHIELD, and other security agencies, have arrested over 84 vessels and their crew from January 2014 to date.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, said this on Wednesday, May 20, in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up for the 59th Anniversary celebration of the Navy.

Represented by Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Navy, Jibrin said the arrested vessels were involved in maritime related crimes.

He said over 120 illegal oil refineries; 29 barges; 93 large wooden boats and 1, 259 auxiliary equipment were destroyed within the period.

"It is worth stating that the arrested vessels, on which preliminary investigations have been completed by the Navy, have been handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution.

"Thus, there has been a significant reduction in incidences of crude oil theft in our waters.

"Unfortunately, the diligent and conclusive prosecution of suspects in law courts by the prosecuting agencies has been a major challenge to the Navy and other security agencies operating in our waters.

"Additionally, incidences of piracy in Nigeria’s waters have been drastically reduced as a result of the Navy’s anti-piracy operations.

Jubrin said the navy had also made tremendous achievements in areas of policing operations, fleet recapitalisation and exercises /operations, amongst others.

The naval chief also said the Navy had noted with concern the increasing cases of impersonation of its personnel.

He said a number of unscrupulous persons in the society had been caught recently disguising themselves as naval personnel.

According to him, the suspects were using dresses which resemble the naval uniform.

"Accordingly, the Navy has taken drastic measures to checkmate the activities of such impersonators and will leave no stone unturned in arresting and prosecuting any person impersonating as naval personnel," he said.