Investigations showed that the arrest was made by a combined team of officers of the Nigerian Navy, the National Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency and a private security firm, Global West Vessel Specialist.
NIMASA and Navy confirmed the arrest of the ship which has the capacity to carry 2.4m barrels of oil, saying investigations into the activities of the ship had begun
It was learnt that four suspects, including the captain, were also rounded up between 12am and 2am.
SUNDAY PUNCH authoritatively gathered that the arrests were made after an exchange of gunfire between the security men and the suspects, which lasted for two hours.
A security source told our correspondent that arms and ammunition were seized from the ship.
According to the source who pleaded anonymity, the Navy had to call for a reinforcement to subdue the suspects.
It was gathered that the suspects included two Libyans, a Nigerian and another African, whose nationality had not been confirmed as at press time.“Security men have started interrogating the suspects. The suspects were trying to discharge some arms when they were arrested.”
When contacted, the Director-General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, confirmed the arrest of the ship.
He said, “The vessel was arrested because it operated in our territorial waters illegally, Investigations are on-going.”
Akpobolokemi, however, denied that arms were seized from the ship.
He stated, “We have not seen anything incriminating in the ship. It was arrested because it was found operating illegally in our territorial waters. We don’t know their intentions and that is why we are investigating.”
Also, the Director of Information, Navy Public Relations, Navy Commander Kabiru Aliyu, confirmed the arrest.
He said, “It is true that a vessel, MV ALYARMOUK was arrested by the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command under NIMASA based on a tip-off. Investigation into the matter is in progress.”
Aliyu, however, said he did not have details of the investigation.
Culled: Punch
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