Defense HQs hands over seized vessels to NIMASA

Abiola Seun

The Defence Headquarters yesterday said the Nigerian Armed Forces has handed over fishing trawlers to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) arrested for illegal operation.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, stated this while giving update on the military operations across the country at a news conference in Abuja.

According to him, there are about 61 illegal refining sites discovered during the anti-crude oil/anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger delta region.

He also disclosed that during maritime operations along the Southern region, troops of operations Awatse and Delta Safe, recorded tremendous successes in their operations.

“Cumulatively, a total of 61 illegal refining sites were discovered during Anti-Crude Oil/Anti-Illegal Bunkering Operations in the Niger delta region.

“In all, a total of 4,464.8 and 1,781,000 Litres of Crude Oil were recovered as well as 1,756,900 Litres of AGO; 116,000 Litres of DPK; and 11,750 Litres of PMS.

“During the Swamp Boogie Operations, several refining ovens, receivers, surface metal storage tanks/drums, coolers and dugout pits were deactivated and immobilised.

“Fishing Trawlers were also arrested and handed over to NIMASA.

“In all, 15 hostages were rescued, a barge and some weapons were recovered and three pipeline vandals arrested,” he said.

Enenche further disclosed that the Nigerian Navy rescued three Beninois whose fishing trawler caught fire at Lagos anchorage during the period under review.

He added that the Navy also responded to a distress call by Beninois Navy for assistance, when 11 crew men onboard a Portuguese flagged container ship, MV TOMMI RITSCHER in Benin territorial waters, came under attack by pirates.

“Among those rescued were Ukrainians, Bulgarians and Filipinos. The Nigerian navy received commendation from the Benin Chief of the Naval Staff, Captain Albert Ezien Badou.

“Additionally, 894 bags of 50kg of parboiled smuggled foreign rice were impounded by the Nigerian navy at Agbami platform in Akwa Ibom.

“From our operations within the period reviewed, it is obvious that the armed forces of Nigeria is winning the war against the enemies of our great country.

“Consequently, the armed forces of Nigeria will remain resolute and highly committed to end insurgency in the country.

“It will sustain the offensive and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled region of our beloved country.

“The public is also assured of the commitment of the armed forces of Nigeria to protecting the economic assets of Nigeria,” he added.

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