The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy disclosed on Thursday that it has arrested two vessels, TAURARO and STAR-SHRIMPER 29, engaged in illegal fishing activities along the Badagary axis of the Lagos waters.

In an official statement signed by Patricia Ochei, the Commander, Command Information Officer, Western Naval Command, the arrests were made as part of the Exercise EJA Expression initiated by the Command to combat maritime offenses.

The statement highlighted the successful interception and interrogation of the suspicious fishing trawlers by the Nigerian Navy Ship EKULU during its patrol along the Badagary axis of Lagos on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, at approximately 0400 hours.

“The vessels were subsequently boarded and confirmed to have large quantities of fish onboard in spite of their license to shrimp only,” stated the Western Naval Command.

The Exercise Eja Expression, flagged off by Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, aims to enhance personnel skills to counter economic crimes, particularly illegal fishing, in Nigeria’s waters.

Rear Admiral Hassan emphasized the Navy’s commitment to enforcing fisheries laws and deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.

IUU fishing is a global concern that poses threats to ocean ecosystems, sustainable fishing, economic security, and natural resources essential for global food security.

Hassan reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s zero-tolerance stance towards maritime illegality, urging perpetrators to cease such acts.

He affirmed that the Navy would relentlessly pursue and prosecute those engaged in criminal activities at sea.