By Charles Opurum
In a swift operation, the Nigerian Navy has apprehended ten individuals aboard the crew vessel MV Mother Cabrini, seizing the vessel for transporting suspected illegally refined Automated Gas Oil.
Captain Reginald Adoki, Commanding Officer of Forward Operations Base Bonny, revealed that the vessel was intercepted based on credible intelligence. Adoki stated, “The base responded by deploying tactical units when we got credible intelligence that the vessel was outbound the Bonny channel proceeding to sea. On intercepting the vessel, we carried out a physical inspection, checked her documents, and interrogated the crew.”
Further investigations revealed that the product on board was substandard. Adoki added, “We took a sample of the product to an approved laboratory where they were tested and found to be substandard.”
In an interview with Charles Opurum, the captain of the seized vessel expressed his surprise, stating, “They said I should supply them bunker; I did not ask because I thought it is original bunker. But the Navy arrested us and took some samples for testing before they came back and told us that it is not up to standard.”
The suspects have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Captain Reginald Adoki reassured maritime travelers of their safety during this festive season, he highlighted the Navy’s commitment to combating criminal activities. “We have rescued some victims from sea robbers, and this is just to show how committed we are in this period of the year. This is what we will keep doing throughout this ember months when we know that the possible rate of crime will increase.”
