Nigerian Navy Transfers Seized Trawler and Crew to Bayelsa Government

In a significant maritime development, the Nigerian Navy handed over the seized fishing trawler, MFV Lady Jessica II, along with its 13 crew members, to the Federal Department of Fisheries in Bayelsa State. The trawler, apprehended on December 11 by the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, was found trawling within an area designated for artisanal fishing boats.

The arrest took place less than five nautical miles from the shore around the Pennington River entrance, operating without activating its Automatic Identification System (AIS). The violation of the Sea Fisheries Act of 1992 prompted the Navy to take decisive action against such breaches.

The handover ceremony transpired at the Forward Operating Base in Egwema, Brass, with the Commanding Officer, Capt. Murtala Rogo, represented by Executive Officer Commander Dantani Bukar. Captain Rogo emphasized that maritime infractions, particularly those infringing on established laws, would not be tolerated.

He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to policing and enforcing maritime laws in both Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea. Captain Rogo issued a stern advisory to all mariners, urging them to adhere to the laws governing the Nigerian maritime domain.

“Let me also add that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort to police and enforce maritime laws. To this end, I wish to advise all Mariners to be law-abiding as they engage the Nigerian maritime domain for their individual businesses. Pertinently, fishing companies and agents must pay particular attention to the instructions in Form B issued to them by the FDF. Same must be communicated and understood by the vessel crew to avoid any form of infringement of the state laws therein,” he emphasized.