From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO over the weekend handed over two vessels, Motor Vessel (MV) RIG RUNNER and MV CELTIC EBENEZER, and 12 members to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Bayelsa.
The Commanding Officer FOB FORMOSO, Capt. Murtala Aminu Rogo, said MV RIG RUNNER was arrested on April 2, 2024 by NNS IBENO, while MV CELTIC EBENEZER was arrested on May 2, 2024 by FOB FORMOSO Patrol team, both around Madu Oilfield, off the coast of Bayelsa.
Rogo who was represented by the Executive Officer Commander, M.A. Gada, further stated that at the time of the arrest, both vessels were found to be transiting with their Automatic Identification System switched off which violate the Maritime Law.
“Accordingly, FOB FORMOSO was directed by the Naval Headquarters to hand over both vessels to NIMASA in the presence of representatives of the owners.
“FOB FORMOSO will continue to sustain the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on the fight against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, and all other forms of illegalities within the Nigerian maritime domain.
“The Nigerian Navy is determined to ensure that the maritime domain remains secured and safe for all legitimate businesses to thrive towards the fulfillment of national security objectives,” he said.