The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Formoso has intercepted a fishing trawler, ‘MFV Seven Stars,’ and detained 14 crew members, including two Indian nationals, for violating the Sea Fisheries Act along the Brass coastline in Bayelsa State.
The apprehended crew, comprising two Indians and 12 others, has been transferred to the Federal Department of Fisheries for further action.
Simultaneously, the two Indian nationals were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Additionally, the white substances discovered aboard the trawler have been submitted to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bayelsa State Command, for thorough investigations.
During the handover ceremony at the Forward Operating Base in Egwema, Brass local government area, Capt Murtala Aminu Rogo, the Commanding Officer, provided details about the arrest, revealing that the trawler was captured on November 29, 2023.
Represented by the Executive Officer of the base, Commander Dantani Ishaku Bukar, Rogo identified the Indian nationals as Mr. Suresha Dogra and Mr. Punnakal Francis Xavier.
He emphasized the Navy’s commitment to preventing maritime infractions within Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
The initial investigation indicated that the trawler’s captain had falsely declared a 12-member crew on board, whereas there were 14 individuals.
Furthermore, the two additional crew members, including the Indian nationals, were found to be onboard illegally, without proper documentation.
Rogo stated, “The Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts towards policing and enforcing maritime laws. I wish to advise all mariners to be law-abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain for their individual business.”
He added a specific warning to fishing companies and agents, emphasizing the importance of adhering to instructions from the Federal Department of Fisheries to avoid infringements on state laws.
“In line with the provisions of Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures on the arrest, detention, and prosecution of vessel and Person 2016, I am directed to hand over Motor Fishing Vessel Seven Stars to the representative of FDF, while the two Indians and white substance would be handed over to NIS and NDLEA, respectively, for further investigation and possible prosecution,” Rogo said.
