The Multinational Maritime Co-ordination Center Zone D initiated an alert on May 2, 2024, calling for the search and potential apprehension of MV BLU-SHARK bearing IMO number 8767783.
The vessel reportedly departed Port Gentil, Gabon, on the same day at approximately 11:35 PM, allegedly without securing requisite customs clearance documents from Gabonese maritime, judicial, and customs authorities.
Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, in an official statement, disclosed that upon receiving the alert, the Nigerian Navy (NN) promptly deployed its Maritime Domain Awareness resources, directing Nigerian Navy Ship OSE (NNS OSE) to intercept and detain the vessel. Subsequently, NNS OSE successfully intercepted MV BLU-SHARK at approximately 11:52 AM on May 6, 2024, in waters off Calabar, situated at Latitude 040 49 929’E, Longitude 008017 602’E.
The apprehension of MV BLU-SHARK marks a significant stride in the collaborative efforts among regional maritime security agencies within the Gulf of Guinea, operating under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct on Maritime Security in the Region. This action aligns with the strategic objectives of the Chief of Naval Staff to foster a secure maritime environment conducive to bolstering the nation’s Blue Economy.
Preliminary investigations will be conducted by the Nigerian Navy to verify the allegations against MV BLU-SHARK, adhering to the principles outlined in the Yaoundé Code of Conduct. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, commended the officers and ratings of NNS OSE for their professionalism in executing the apprehension operation. He reiterated the Navy’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with neighboring countries to combat transnational maritime crimes in the region.
