NAVY ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS FOR POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS, ESCORT OF FISHING TRAWLER IN BAYELSA 05-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under the Central Naval Command, has handed over three arrested suspects for alleged possession of illegal arms and unauthorized escort for a vessel MFT Olokun Eight to the Department of State Services, in Bayelsa
The Commander, NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, while parading the suspects in Yenagoa explained that the suspects were arrested on March nine, twenty-twenty-five based on intelligence by personnel of the Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, a sub-unit of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH.
According to Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami the operation was based on credible information indicating that the fishing trawler was illegally conveying armed men who fired shots to intimidate local fishermen operating in the Bayelsa Waters prompting operatives of the Nigeria Navy to intercept and conduct a boarding operation, on the Motor Fishing Trawler.
Represented by the Executive Officer Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, Navy Captain Jerry Ayim-Odu, he said during the operation, the boarding team discovered one G3 assault rifle, a pump action gun and several rounds of ammunition.
The Commander said preliminary investigations indicated that the captain of the vessel illegally engaged the armed men alleged to be members of Odua Peoples’ Congress to provide unauthorized escort for the fishing trawler.
He warned seafarers to refrain from engaging in criminal activities that could endanger the safety of other users of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
According to him: “The OPC members did not have license to carry or operate arms. Accordingly, the vessel and the crew as well as the two OPC members were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and engaging in unauthorized security escort.
“The NNS SOROH has been directed by the Naval Headquarters to hand over the suspects to the Department of State Services, for further investigation and possibly prosecution,” he said.
He stated that ” the Nigerian Navy will not tolerate illegal possession of firearms or the use of armed escorts without proper authorization. All individuals are urged to be law abiding always.
Captain of the vessel Mr Elijah Samuel, said he was unaware that the firearms carried by the suspects were not licensed, stating that he only engaged them to prevent sea pirates from attacking the fishing trawler.
He alleged that he contracted the services of the OPC boys because he had been kidnapped twice by sea pirates who collected ransom, discharged all products in his vessel and sometimes kill occupants.