The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO in Brass, Bayelsa on Saturday handed over 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.
Represented by the Executive Officer Commander M.A. Gada, he 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 the owners representatives.
“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 fulfilment of national security objectives,” he said.
