Nigerian Navy Arrests Three Suspects Including Oodua Congress Members In Bayelsa For Illegal Arms
The Commander said that preliminary investigation revealed that the captain of the vessel illegally engaged two of the suspects alleged to be members of Oodua Peoples Congress,OPC to provide unauthorised escort for the fishing trawler.
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under the auspices of the Central Naval Command, has handed over three suspects arrested for illegal arms possession and unauthorised escort for MFT Olokun VIII to the Department of State Services, in Bayelsa
The Commander, NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, stated that, on March 9, 2025 acting on intelligence, Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, a sub-unit of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, intercepted and conducted a boarding operation, on Motor Fishing Trawler OLOKUN VIII.
“The operation was based on credible information indicating that the fishing trawler was illegally conveying armed men who fired shots to intimidate local fishermen operating in the Bayelsa Waters.”
Represented by Navy Captain Jerry Ayim-Odu, the Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, said during the operation, the boarding team discovered one G3 assault rifle, a pump action gun and several rounds of ammunition.
The Commander said that preliminary investigation revealed that the captain of the vessel illegally engaged two of the suspects alleged to be members of Oodua Peoples Congress,OPC to provide unauthorised escort for the fishing trawler.
According to him, “The OPC members did not have license to carry or operate arms. Accordingly, the vessel and the crew as well as the two OPC members were arrested for illegal possession of fire arms and engaging in unauthorised security escort.
“The NNS SOROH has been directed by the Naval Headquarters to hand over the suspects to the Department of State Services, for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
He warned seafarers to refrain from engaging in criminal activities that could endanger the safety of other users of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy will not tolerate illegal possession of firearms or the use of armed escorts without proper authorisation.
“All individuals are urged to be law abiding always.”
On his part, the captain of the vessel, Mr Elijah Samuel, said that he didn’t know that the firearms were not licensed, that because how sea pirates are terrorising the sea, that’s why.
He said that he had been kidnapped twice by sea pirates, and that most times they discharged all their products and also killed them and that was why he contracted the OPC personnel.
