‘We’ll deal with them decisively’ — navy warns crude oil smugglers in Akwa Ibom

Martins Fakrogha, the commander of the Nigerian Navy ship (NNS) jubilee, says the command will ensure that the country’s territorial waters in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom are secured.

Fakrogha told journalists in an interview on Monday, in Akwa, the state capital, that the command would not make the waterways safe for criminals.

“I will tell them that a new sheriff is in town. If anyone is caught, we will deal with him decisively and in accordance with the law,” Fakrogha said.

“This is coming as a directive from the chief of the naval staff, who has zero tolerance for any form of criminality in our waterways.”

Fakrogha assured fishermen and all legitimate business operators along the Nigerian coastlines of the command’s protection.

The commander advised illegal crude oil operators to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate work by obtaining licences for modular refineries.

He said that any illegal refinery found within the Nigerian maritime environment would be destroyed and owners arrested.

“For the fishermen, the state government is also coming up with a maritime task force, so that those who are doing legitimate businesses are protected,” he said.

“So, you’ll see us more at sea and along our coastlines to be sure that the fishermen go about their normal duties.

“We will try as much as possible to show our presence and make everywhere safe.”