Following their arrest on March 11, 2024 in Forcados, Burutu local government area of Delta State, the Nigerian Navy Ship, (NNS) Delta has turned over 15 suspects and a Merchant Fishing Vessel (MFV), Lily IV, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Fishery, Edo State for further investigation.
The suspects, consisting of 14 Nigerians and one Ghanaian, along with the vessel, were formally handed over to Mr. Iwanegbe America, representing the Fishery Department, on Wednesday at the Navy base jetty in Warri, Delta State by Navy Capt. Solomon Paul, the Executive Officer of the NNS Delta, on behalf of Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin.
During the handover, Commodore Muhsin explained to the press that the vessel and suspects were apprehended for illegally entering the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform.
On March 11, 2024, a private maritime security company vessel, MV Kingston, owned by Ocean Marine Services (OMS) and contracted by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with Nigerian Navy personnel, intercepted and detained the Merchant Fishing Vessel, Lily IV. Subsequently, the vessel was taken into custody by the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos for further investigation on March 13.
Initial investigations suggested that there was insufficient evidence to confirm that MFV Lily IV had trespassed into the Maritime Exclusion Zone of the Forcados Oil Terminal Crude Loading Platform. It was also discovered that two crew members were not listed on the vessel’s manifest.
Commodore Muhsin emphasized the need for mariners to adhere to maritime laws within the nation’s territorial waters, warning of sanctions for violators. He affirmed that such operations were part of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s waters for navigation and commercial activities.
Expressing gratitude, Muhsin recognized the government agencies and individuals who had supported their operations to combat maritime illegalities.
Upon receiving the vessel and suspects, Mr. America, an Assistant Director from the Department of Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture, Edo, lauded the Navy for their efforts and stated that further actions would be taken, potentially leading to prosecutions for the suspects.