Navy Hands Over Three Suspects to DSS for Illegal Arms and Unauthorized Vessel Escort in Bayelsa
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, under the Central Naval Command, has arrested and handed over three individuals to the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged illegal possession of firearms and providing unauthorized escort services to a fishing trawler, MFT Olokun Eight, in Bayelsa State.
While parading the suspects in Yenagoa, the Commander of NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, represented by the Executive Officer, Navy Captain Jerry Ayim-Odu, revealed that the arrests were made on March 9, 2025. The operation was based on credible intelligence from the Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, a sub-unit of NNS SOROH.
According to the commander, the suspects were aboard a fishing trawler that was allegedly transporting armed men who had fired shots to scare off local fishermen operating in the Bayelsa waters. Acting on the intelligence, naval operatives intercepted and boarded the vessel, discovering a G3 assault rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and several rounds of ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel’s captain had engaged the armed men, believed to be members of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), to provide an unauthorized escort. Commodore Akinbami emphasized that the OPC members lacked the legal authority to carry arms and that their involvement posed a threat to maritime security.
“The Nigerian Navy will not tolerate the illegal possession of firearms or the use of unauthorized armed escorts,” Akinbami stated. “We urge all maritime operators to comply with established security protocols and laws to ensure safety in Nigerian waters.”
The captain of the vessel, Mr. Elijah Samuel, claimed he was unaware that the firearms were unlicensed, saying he hired the OPC members for protection against sea pirates, citing previous kidnappings and ransom demands.
The suspects, along with the vessel, weapons, and ammunition, have been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.