The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, operating under the Central Naval Command, has handed over three individuals to the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged illegal possession of firearms in Bayelsa State.
According to correspondents, the suspects were also accused of serving as unauthorised armed escorts aboard the Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) Olokun VIII.
Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, Commander of NNS SOROH, disclosed that the arrest followed a boarding operation on 9 March 2025 by Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, a unit under NNS SOROH. He was represented by Navy Captain Jerry Ayim-Odu, the Executive Officer of NNS SOROH.
“Acting on credible intelligence, naval personnel intercepted the trawler, which was reportedly transporting armed individuals who had fired shots to intimidate local fishermen in Bayelsa waters,” he stated.
During the search, the boarding team recovered one G3 assault rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and various rounds of ammunition.
Preliminary findings, Akinbami said, revealed that the vessel’s captain had unlawfully hired two members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to serve as armed escorts, despite their lack of legal authorisation to carry firearms.
“The vessel, its crew, and the two OPC members were arrested for unlawful possession of weapons and for operating unauthorised security escort services,” he added.
He confirmed that, following directives from Naval Headquarters, the suspects had been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Akinbami warned against any form of criminal activity at sea, stressing that the Navy would not tolerate unauthorised security operations or illegal arms possession.
“All individuals are urged to remain law-abiding at all times,” he cautioned.
In his defence, the vessel’s captain, Mr Elijah Samuel, claimed he was unaware that the weapons carried by the OPC escorts were unlicensed. He said the decision to hire the group was based on the rising threat of piracy in the area.
“I didn’t know the guns were unlicensed. I’ve been kidnapped twice by sea pirates, and they’ve often stolen our goods and even killed crew members. That’s why I hired the OPC boys to protect us,” he explained.
(NAN)