The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft has handed over three fishing vessels to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (FDFA) for further regulatory action over alleged breaches of fishing regulations and Automatic Identification System (AIS) compliance.
The vessels, identified as MV Olufunke 1, MV Iruo Oghene and AM 8702, were handed over on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Defence Jetty, Lagos.
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams Aliu, was represented at the ceremony by the Executive Officer, Captain Olanrewaju Olubunmi.
The vessels were intercepted between August 26 and 28, 2026, within the Western Naval Command Area of Responsibility during Operation ABO EJA 2026, an operation aimed at curbing illegal fishing and other maritime offences.
According to the Navy, preliminary investigations following the interceptions revealed several areas of concern involving the vessels. These included alleged fishing in restricted areas, irregularities involving AIS and communication equipment, and discrepancies in vessel classification and documentation.
The Navy said the transfer of the vessels to the FDFA would enable the relevant authorities to conduct further regulatory examination and determine the appropriate action under existing laws and maritime regulations.
Such action, it added, could include enforcement measures or prosecution where applicable, depending on the outcome of the regulatory process.
The development further highlights the importance of sustained cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and civilian maritime regulatory agencies in protecting Nigeria’s marine resources and strengthening security across the nation’s territorial waters.
Under the leadership of the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, the command said it would continue to work closely with the FDFA and other stakeholders through coordinated patrols, surveillance, inspections and information sharing.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing while improving compliance with maritime safety, vessel identification and fisheries regulations.
The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the mandate of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, by maintaining a professional and motivated force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations in defence of national sovereignty and internal stability.
