Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have arrested a Motor Tanker (MT) HARBOUR SPIRIT for alleged illegal activities within the country’s waterways.
The vessel was intercepted around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 by operatives onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) THUNDER while participating in this year’s multinational season exercise, OBANGAME EXPRESS.
In a statement on Sunday afternoon by Director, Naval Information (DINFO) Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said MT HARBOR SPIRIT was a vessel of interest and was discovered to possess forged documents for the evacuation of fortified and auctioned product (crude oil) from MV KOME XVIII.
“The vessel was subsequently boarded by the Nigerian Navy and she was discovered to be in possession of forged documents for the evacuation of fortified and auctioned product (crude oil) from MV KOME XVIII.
“Accordingly, MT HARBOR SPIRIT and her crew of 13 men, all Nigerians, were arrested and handed over to Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY for further investigation and possible handover for prosecution.
“The arrest of MT HARBOR SPIRIT came barely two days after the arrest of MT QUEEN OF PEACE for unauthorised possession of petroleum product without valid documents.
“It is indicative of the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of all infractions and illegalities for legitimate maritime activities to thrive towards the economic growth of Nigeria,” he said.