The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka has warned maritime criminals to stay off Nigerian waterways as the command has stepped up surveillance to ensure no criminal escape from its area of responsibility.

The Commander, FOB Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke gave the warning on Friday during the handing over of MT BORA to Blueseas Maritime Company as investigations revealed that the vessel was not culpable.

Aneke said criminal elements in the Area of Operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility will continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

“The vessel had earlier been declared a Vessel of Interest (VOI) in an investigation into an illegal ship to ship transfer with MT QUEEN HANSAL, a vessel that had been arrested for suspected crude oil theft activities.

“Following this investigation, MT BORA was not found culpable, hence the need for her release to continue her normal operations.

“It is worthy to note that as at the time of arrest, MT BORA had a total number of 32 crew members onboard comprising Seven Philippinos and 25 Nigerians.

“May we also seized the opportunity to warn any individual or groups interested in carrying out any form of criminality in Nigeria’s waters to desist.

“Under the current leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that, it is impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State,”