The Nigerian Navy has handed over three fishing vessels arrested for illegal fishing activities and Automatic Identification System (AIS) violations to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (FDFA) for further regulatory action.
The vessels, MV OLUFUNKE 1, MV IRUO OGHENE and AM 8702, were intercepted between August 26 and 28, 2026, within the area of responsibility of the Western Naval Command.
The handover was carried out on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Defence Jetty in Lagos, following preliminary investigations into the activities of the vessels.
According to the Navy, the arrests were made during Operation ABO EJA 2026, an operation aimed at tackling illegal fishing activities and other violations within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The preliminary investigation reportedly raised concerns over fishing in restricted areas, irregularities involving AIS and communication equipment, as well as issues relating to vessel documentation.
The Navy said the vessels were handed over to the FDFA to allow the relevant authorities to carry out further investigations and take appropriate regulatory measures.
The development further highlights the growing cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and maritime regulatory agencies in addressing activities capable of threatening Nigeria’s marine resources.
The Navy stressed the importance of collaboration with relevant government agencies in enforcing laws and regulations governing the nation’s waters.
The operation is also part of wider efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which remains a major concern for Nigeria’s fisheries sector and marine economy.
Through Operation ABO EJA 2026, the Navy has continued to monitor activities within its area of responsibility and respond to suspected violations of maritime regulations.
The Navy noted that the enforcement efforts are intended to protect Nigeria’s marine resources while ensuring that vessels operating within the country’s waters comply with established regulations.
The handover of the three vessels to the FDFA is expected to enable the fisheries authorities to conduct further regulatory processes based on the findings of the preliminary investigations.