Navy battles illegal refining, maritime crimes
The Navy patrol team also raided an illegal refinery site at Ibeno community in Ibeno Local Government in Akwa Ibom State.
The raid which was conducted in conjunction with security partners led to the destruction of two Cotonou boats, and six drums containing suspected illegally refined kerosene.
A wooden barge conveying about 110MT of suspected illegally refined kerosene had been intercepted at the Federal Ocean Terminal/Federal Lighter Terminal (FOT/FLT) anchorage in Onne Rivers State.
He said that the vigilance of the service personnel helped to avert the departure of more than 47 stowaways who attempted to leave the country illegally onboard some merchant vessels.
He said that the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has commended efforts in clearing illegal refinery sites and mitigating other security threats in the maritime areas.
The CNS also noted the increasing attempts by some desperate persons to board merchant vessels illegally as stowaways.
“In view of this, the NN wishes to remind Captains of merchant vessels and all seafarers to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement around their vessels in order to enhance the security of their vessels.’’
