The Nigerian Navy (NN) has intercepted and arrested the MV BLU-SHARK, a vessel alleged to have escaped from Port Gentil, Gabon, without obtaining necessary customs clearance documents.
The arrest was made by the Nigerian Navy Ship OSE (NNS OSE) at Latitude 040 49 929’E, Longitude 008017 602’E, off Calabar waters.
Commodore Adams-Aliu, speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Friday, highlighted the collaborative efforts between regional maritime security agencies in the Gulf of Guinea under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct on Maritime Security in the Region.
He emphasised that the arrest of MV BLU-SHARK is in line with the NN’s strategic end state towards a safe and secure maritime environment to enhance the nation’s Blue Economy.
“The NN will conduct preliminary investigations to ascertain the veracity of the allegation with a view to handling the vessel in line with the dictates of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct,” Aliu stated.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, commended the officers and ratings of NNS OSE for their professionalism in apprehending the alleged fleeing vessel.
He also reiterated the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with neighboring countries to combat transnational maritime crimes in the region.
