The Nigerian Navy Ship EKULU has apprehended two fishing trawlers, TAURARO and STARSHRIMPER 29, in the Badary region of Lagos for engaging in alleged unlawful fishing activities.
During the operation, over 100 bags of fish were discovered in the fishing trawlers’ insulated fish-holding section.
Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, made the announcement about the successful apprehension of the vessels yesterday.
According to the FOC, the fishing trawlers were intercepted in the early hours of Tuesday during a patrol of the waterways in the Badary axis. This statement was signed by the Command Information Officer, Commander Patricia Ochei.
Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan emphasized that the arrest was a direct outcome of Exercise EJA EXPRESSION, which he recently initiated to tackle maritime illegalities within the Western Naval Command Area of Responsibility. The exercise also serves to enhance the skills of naval personnel in combating economic crimes, such as illegal fishing, within the nation’s waters.
Details of the interception were provided in the official statement. It stated, “Around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, while on patrol along the Badagary axis of Lagos, Nigerian Navy Ship EKULU intercepted and interrogated the two suspicious fishing trawlers.”
“The vessels were subsequently boarded and confirmed to have large quantities of fish onboard, despite their license to shrimp only.”
The statement further highlighted the impact of Exercise EJA EXPRESSION, stating, “The flag off of Exercise EJA EXPRESSION may well be yielding positive results as the presence of Nigerian Navy ships at sea has continued to deter intending perpetrators and arrest suspected maritime offenders.”
