The Nigerian Navy yesterday revealed that it has arrested about 130 vessels for various crimes perpetrated in the maritime sector and other activities in the last one year.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, explained that the arrests were made following the recent enhancement of the navy’s surveillance capability.
Ibas disclosed this while hosting the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, who was at the Navy headquarters to discuss the relationship between both organisations.
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Ibas said, “Of course, in 2018, we arrested 40 vessels and have in custody over 150 persons, who we have handed over to the various prosecuting agencies.
“For last year alone and so far this year, we have over 130 vessels that were seized or arrested for maritime crime.”
Earlier in his address, Bello observed that one of the major challenges in the maritime sector was security.
“We have received various complaints from the shipping companies, which have been forced to provide their own security to escort their vessels to the ports, especially the eastern ports. In spite of their efforts, between 2017 and 2018, there were 88 attacks in the Niger Delta,” he said.