The commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, Commodore Martins Fakrogha, has warned sea pirates and other criminals to steer clear of its territorial waters in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom.

Mr Fakrogha, who gave the warning in an interview with journalists in Ikot Abasi on Monday, said the command was resolved to make the waterways unconducive for criminals.

The commander, who recently assumed duty, said that he was resolved to actualise the mandate of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for zero tolerance to criminality on Nigerian waterways.

He said the Nigerian Navy would treat anyone engaged in criminal activities on its waterways as an economic saboteur.

“I will tell them that a new sheriff is in town. If anyone is caught, we will deal with him decisively and in accordance with the law.

“This is coming as a directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff, who has zero tolerance for any form of criminality in our waterways,” Mr Fakrogha said.

He, however, assured fishermen and all legitimate business operators along the Nigerian coastlines of the command’s protection to enable them to carry out their businesses without disturbances.

He said the command operatives would be physically present to ensure fishermen go about their trade unmolested.

“For the fishermen, the state government is also coming up with a maritime task force so that those who are doing legitimate businesses are protected.

“So, you’ll see us more at sea and along our coastlines to be sure that the fishermen go about their normal duties.

“We will try as much as possible to show our presence and make everywhere safe,” he said.

The commander called on public members to volunteer information to enable officers to bring criminals to book.

On illegal refineries, the commander warned operators to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate work by obtaining licences for modular refineries.

He said that any illegal refinery found within the Nigerian maritime environment would be destroyed and owners arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.

(NAN)