The Nigeria Navy has apprehended seven vessels and their crew members, including seven Sri Lankans, two Ghanaians, and over 50 Nigerians.
The Navy said its ship, Beecroft, made the arrests during the festive period for illegal activities on Nigerian waters.
The Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Ibrahim Shettima on Friday said the cases are being handed to the relevant agencies for prosecution.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) have also been invited to collect data that would aid them in carrying out their jobs.
MV Zebrugge was one of the seven vessels intercepted. The vessel, carrying seven Sri-Lankans, had petroleum products without proper documentation.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Navy Seizes Wooden Boat Laden With 144 Drums Of Petroleum Product
Meanwhile, the captain of the vessel, said he was only contracted to transport the product to Ghana.
Similarly, MT Jonko was arrested on December 21, with 11 Nigerians onboard and 1077 metric tonnes of crude oil.
Samples of the product have been collected from various compartments of the tanker for further analysis.
The Captain also claimed he is only a transporter meant to deliver the goods to Togo.
