Recall that Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2022 was conducted from 11-18 March 2022. On Day 7 of the Exercise, Nigerian Navy Ship THUNDER intercepted MOTOR TANKER (MT) HARBOR SPIRIT (A Vessel of Interest) at about 1030 on Thursday 17 March 2022, on suspicion of engaging in illegal activities.
The vessel was subsequently boarded by the Nigerian Navy and she was discovered to be in possession of forged documents for the evacuation of fortified and auctioned product (crude oil) from MV KOME XVIII.
Accordingly, MT HARBOR SPIRIT and her the crew of 13 men, all Nigerians, were arrested and handed over to Forward Operating Base BONNY for further investigation and possible handover for prosecution.
The arrest MT HARBOR SPIRIT came barely 2 days after the arrest of MT QUEEN OF PEACE for unauthorised possession of petroleum product without valid documents.
It is indicative of the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of all infractions and illegalities for legitimate maritime activities to strive towards the economic growth of Nigeria.
Signed:
AO AYO-VAUGHAN
Commodore
for Chief of the Naval Staff
