The Nigerian Navy has handed over three suspects to the Department of State Services (DSS) for illegal possession of firearms in Bayelsa State. The suspects were also accused of providing unauthorised security escort aboard a vessel, the Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) Olokun VIII.
The arrests followed an operation on March 9, 2025, by the Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, a sub-unit of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH. Acting on credible intelligence, the Navy intercepted the trawler, which was reportedly carrying armed individuals who had been intimidating local fishermen in Bayelsa waters.
During the boarding, the naval team discovered one G3 assault rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and several rounds of ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the captain of the vessel had illegally hired two members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) as armed escorts, despite the fact that they lacked the necessary licenses to carry firearms.
Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, Commander of NNS SOROH, confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects had been handed over to the DSS for further investigation and prosecution. He also warned seafarers against engaging in activities that could threaten the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
In his defence, the vessel’s captain, Elijah Samuel, claimed he hired the OPC members due to the growing threat of sea pirates. He insisted that he was unaware the firearms were unlicensed, stating that he had been kidnapped twice by pirates and had hired the escorts for protection.
The Navy has urged all individuals to abide by the law and refrain from engaging in criminal activities at sea.
