Troops of the Nigerian Navy have arrested nine individuals in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, for allegedly operating illegally on Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The arrests were carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, following credible intelligence about the activities of a group parading as the “Nigerian Coast Guard.” The incident took place on Saturday, July 19.

According to Commodore Abubarka Umar, Commander of NNS Jubilee, the operation led to the capture of the self-acclaimed Nigerian Coast Guard Coordinator along with eight other members of the group.

Umar explained that their operation violates the Federal Government’s Official Gazette of August 28, 2013, and is contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

He stressed that the Nigerian Navy is constitutionally empowered to prevent such illegal groups from operating within the country’s maritime environment. The move, he said, aligns with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to rid Nigerian waters of illegal activity.

Commodore Umar also warned the public to be wary of unauthorized organizations posing as legitimate maritime bodies and tricking innocent citizens into joining them.

He urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activity or illegal groups to security agencies and warned sea robbers, oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and other maritime criminals to steer clear of Nigerian waters.

“The Nigerian Navy will not back down. We will track, arrest, and ensure all offenders face justice,” Umar firmly stated