The Nigerian Navy has arrested a 15-man crew onboard a Russian ship, Merchant
Vessel Myre Sea Diver, Avatiu, in the country’s territorial waters and recovered about
8,598 ammunition.
NN also recovered 14 AK47 rifles and 20 Benelli MRI rifles after the ship was searched.
The merchant vessel, marked E5U2529, was arrested on Saturday during a patrol of the
water ways by personnel of the Western Naval command.
The merchant vessel, which is currently anchored at the Nigerian Navy Beecroft habour,
Apapa, left Cook Island in the South Pacific and arrived the nation’s water at about
10.30am.
The destination of the ship could, however, not be ascertained as the navy said
investigation was still on.
Information obtained from the ship’s website indicated that its operation has been
suspended following the arrest.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda,
said, “The vessel was arrested by NN patrol boats at the Lagos Roadstead on suspicion
of carrying arms and ammunition on board.
“In pursuant of part of our activities in Lagos, which is to create a conducive maritime
environment, when we see any threat, we deal with it. That is what led to the arrest of
this ship.
“The ship came into our waters without due notifications and on further search it was
discovered that it has weapons and ammunitions on board which is an infringement of the
laws of this country.”
With its DNV number 04795, the Russian ship was built in 1965 and operates at a
speed of 7.5\6.4 knots.