By Linus Aleke
As part of an effort to curtail the illegal activities of maritime criminals, the Nigerian Navy on Sunday said it has intercepted economic saboteurs during a military exercise in the maritime domain.

The service noted that it discovered the possession of forged documents for the evacuation of fortified and auctioned products (crude oil) from MV KOME XVIII.

Director, Naval Information, Commodore Ayo-Vaughan in a statement said the 13 men, all military were arrested and handed over to forwarding Operating Base BONNY for further investigation and possible prosecution.

According to the statement, “Recall that Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2022 was conducted from 11-18
March 2022. On Day 7 of the Exercise, Nigerian Navy Ship THUNDER intercepted MOTOR TANKER (MT) HARBOR SPIRIT (A Vessel of Interest) at about 1030 on Thursday 17 March 2022, on suspicion of engaging in illegal activities.

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“The vessel was subsequently boarded by the Nigerian Navy and she was discovered to have forged documents for the evacuation of fortified and auctioned product (crude oil) from MV KOME XVIII.

“Accordingly, MT HARBOR SPIRIT and the crew of 13 men, all Nigerians, were arrested an handed over to forwarding Operating Base BONNY for further investigation and possible handover for prosecution.

“The arrest MT HARBOR SPIRIT came barely 2 days after the arrest of MT QUEEN OF PEACE for unauthorized possession of petroleum product without valid documents”.

The Naval Spokesperson concluded that it is indicative of the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of all infractions and illegalities for legitimate maritime activities to strive towards the economic growth of Nigeria.