The troops of the Nigerian Navy, NNS Jubilee, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, have arrested nine suspects for alleged illegal activities in the maritime domain.
The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubarka Umar, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the base in Ikot Abasi on Saturday.
Umar stated that the personnel arrested the suspects based on credible intelligence reports regarding the illegal operation of a group known as the “Nigerian Coast Guard” on Saturday, July 19.
“Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee arrested the Nigerian Coast Guard Coordinator and eight members of the acclaimed group in Akwa Ibom.
“This arrest is an enforcement of the Federal Government Official Gassett signed on the 28 Aug. 2013, as enshrined in the criminal code Act. Cap. C38 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004,” Umar said.
The Commander added that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also empowered the Nigerian Navy with the responsibility to ensure that such illegal organisations do not operate in the maritime environment.
“This is in furtherance to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, 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 said.
Umar called on the public to be aware of illegal organisations deceiving people using various antics to recruit innocent citizens into an organisation that is not backed by the law.
He advised the people to report the activities of the group and other illegal entities masquerading as legitimate organisations to law enforcement agencies.
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,” Umar said.
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