Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, based in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have apprehended nine individuals suspected of engaging in unlawful maritime activities within the state’s coastal waters.

Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abubakar Umar, made this disclosure while addressing journalists at the naval base in Ikot Abasi on Monday. He said the arrests were made following actionable intelligence regarding the operations of a group impersonating a government security agency under the name “Nigerian Coast Guard.”

“Our personnel arrested the self-styled coordinator and eight other members of the so-called Nigerian Coast Guard operating illegally in Akwa Ibom State,” Umar stated.

He explained that the operation was carried out in line with the provisions of the Federal Government’s Official Gazette dated August 28, 2013, as well as the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38 of the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004. These legal instruments explicitly prohibit the existence and operation of any unrecognized maritime security entity.

Commodore Umar further noted that the Nigerian Constitution vests the Navy with the authority to prevent unauthorized groups from operating in the nation’s maritime space.

“This action aligns with the operational directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and eliminating all forms of criminal activity that threaten national security and economic development,” he emphasized.

He warned all individuals and groups involved in oil theft, sea piracy, and other illegal maritime ventures to desist or face the full weight of the law, reaffirming the Navy’s readiness to maintain law and order on the nation’s waterways.

The arrests serve as a strong message to impostors and maritime criminals that the Nigerian Navy remains vigilant and will continue to enforce maritime laws to protect the country’s economic interests.