Navy Hands Over Three Fishing Vessels for Further Investigation

The Nigerian Navy has handed over three fishing vessels to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for further regulatory action over alleged violations.

The vessels MV OLUFUNKE 1, MV IRUO OGHENE and AM 8702 were intercepted between August 26 and 28 during Operation ABO EJA 2026 in the Western Naval Command’s area of responsibility.

According to the Navy, preliminary investigations indicated alleged fishing in restricted areas, irregularities involving Automatic Identification System and communication equipment, as well as discrepancies in vessel classification and documentation.

The vessels were handed over to the fisheries department at the Defence Jetty in Lagos. The department is expected to conduct further examinations, determine the applicable violations and take enforcement or prosecution action where necessary.

The Navy said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other maritime offences. It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with fisheries authorities through patrols, surveillance, inspections and information sharing to protect Nigeria’s marine resources.