Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee at Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom State have arrested nine suspects over allegation of carrying out illegal maritime activities in the state.
NNS Jubilee Commander, Commodore Abubakar Umar, who disclosed this to the newsmen at the Base in Ikot Abasi on Saturday, said the arrests followed credible intelligence on illegal operations of a group known as “Nigerian Coast Guard”.
“Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee arrested the Nigerian Coast Guard Coordinator and eight members of the acclaimed group in Akwa Ibom State.
“This arrest is an enforcement of the Federal Government Official Gazette signed on the 28 August 2013, as enshrined in the criminal code Act. Cap. C38 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004,” Umar recalled.
He explained that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also empowered the Nigerian Navy with the responsibility to ensure that illegal organisations do not operate in the maritime environment.
“This is in furtherance to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s operational directive at ensuring our maritime domain is safe and secured from illegal activities in order to enhance socio-economic development of our nation,” he stressed.
He, therefore, cautioned the public to “be aware of illegal organisations deceiving people through various antics to recruit innocent citizens into an organisation that is not backed by the law.
The Commander also advised the people to report activities of the group and other illegal entities parading themselves as legitimate organisations to law enforcement agencies.
Besides, Umar warned illegal bunkerers, crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals, sea robbers and other criminal elements operating in Nigerian waters to desist from their acts of economic sabotage.
“The Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff would not relent to pursue, arrest and ensure all criminals arrested face the full wrath of the law,” he vowed.
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