The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Usman Jibril, has said that the Nigerian Navy impounded about 38 ships involved in criminal activities since his assumption of office in January 2014.
Jibril disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Warri, Delta State during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship `NNS Delta’, at Warri Naval Base.
He said that eight of the ships were fishing vessels operated by the Chinese in the nation's waterways.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Usman Jibril, has said that the Nigerian Navy impounded about 38 ships involved in criminal activities since his assumption of office in January 2014.
Jibril disclosed this to newsmen on Monday in Warri, Delta State during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship `NNS Delta’, at Warri Naval Base.
He said that eight of the ships were fishing vessels operated by the Chinese in the nation's waterways.
“Since I came over, we have impounded about 38 ships. The ships are under detention and by implication, cannot commit havoc again.
“They are illegally fishing on our water. They must have also been using our product -Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) – to service their ships; which means they are also involved in illegal bunkering.’’
The CNS said that the Federal Government was committed to repositioning the Nigerian Navy through the provision of adequate platforms for improved performance.
He said that the government had ordered for two offshore patrol vessels from China, adding that they would soon take delivery of them.
Jibril also said that four boats had been released for the `NNS Delta’ to enhance its operations.
“The `NNS Delta’ is well positioned and to deliver on this great statutory duty, it is expected to deal with social vices like the illegal oil bunkering, oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing.
“We have taken delivery of four boats to the `NNS Delta’ to curb the excesses in the creeks.
“Of course, the Federal Government has invested in the Navy through the provision of platforms which has been a major challenge overtime for improved operations of the Naval personnel.
He also confirmed that, “one of the offshore patrol vessels launched by the first lady in January 2014 will be delivered to us by August and the second one will arrive the country next year.’’
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