Nigerian Navy has foiled an attempt by suspected sea robbers to hijack a Merchant Vessel, MV UAL HOUSTON around Bonny Fairway Buoy in Rivers State. “Th e incident occurred on 13 July 2017 at about 7.45am, says acting Naval spokesperson, Suleman Dahun. “Th e sea, who were six in number, boarded the vessel but were unable to access the ship’s living quarters, bridge or machinery room as the ship was on lockdown by the crew.” “On receipt of the ship’s distress call, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny dispatched a boat to rescue the vessel. On sighting the naval patrol boat, the robbers abandoned their hijack plot and fl ed.
Preliminary investigation revealed that no crew member was abducted or any item stolen during the attack.” Also, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER has discovered and destroyed seven illegal refi neries around Bolo Creek and Isaka axis in Rivers State. “Th e refi neries destroyed at Bolo Creek had several storage tanks and two wooden boats laden with about 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 65,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” Naval spokesperson revealed. “Th e Illegal refi neries destroyed in Isaka axis had storage pits laden with 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 5,000 litres of illegally refi ned AGO.
“A patrol team deployed by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny arrested a vessel, MT LEADERSHIP around Onne axis for conducting illegal bunkering operations. Th e vessel was arrested receiving unspecifi ed amount of petroleum products suspected to be illegally refi ned AGO from a barge without valid naval approval. Th e vessel had 12 crewmen while 16 men were on the barge. Th e vessel and the barge are currently under the custody of the Base while investigation is ongoing.”
