The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over three fishing vessels intercepted during Operation ABO EJA 2026 to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (FDFA) for further regulatory action. The vessels—MV OLUFUNKE 1, MV IRUO OGHENE and AM 8702—were transferred to the department on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the Defence Jetty in Lagos.
The handover was carried out by the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, who was represented at the ceremony by the Executive Officer, Captain Olanrewaju Olubunmi. The transfer followed preliminary investigations into the activities of the vessels, which were intercepted between 26 and 28 August 2026 within the Western Naval Command’s Area of Responsibility.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the vessels were intercepted over alleged violations connected to fishing operations and compliance with the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a key maritime safety and vessel-monitoring requirement. The enforcement action forms part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing while strengthening maritime security and protecting Nigeria’s marine resources.
Preliminary investigations reportedly uncovered several areas of concern involving the three vessels. These included allegations of fishing in restricted areas, irregularities involving AIS and communication equipment, as well as discrepancies in vessel classification and documentation. The findings have prompted the need for further examination by the relevant regulatory authorities.
The decision to hand the vessels over to the FDFA is aimed at allowing the appropriate regulatory procedures to take place. These processes are expected to include additional inspections and examinations, determination of applicable offences and, where necessary, enforcement measures or prosecution in line with Nigeria’s prevailing fisheries and maritime laws.
The development highlights the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and preserving the country’s marine resources. Effective cooperation between security agencies and fisheries regulators is considered essential to monitoring fishing activities, enforcing regulations and preventing practices that could undermine the sustainability of Nigeria’s fisheries sector.
Under the leadership of Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, the Western Naval Command has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the FDFA and other relevant stakeholders. The collaboration is expected to involve coordinated patrols, maritime surveillance, inspections and information sharing aimed at deterring illegal fishing and other forms of maritime violations within Nigeria’s territorial waters and areas of responsibility.
NNS BEECROFT is expected to sustain its maritime enforcement activities as part of the broader mandate of the Nigerian Navy to protect the nation’s maritime interests. The Command’s operations also support national efforts to strengthen security at sea, uphold applicable laws and safeguard the economic and environmental value of Nigeria’s marine resources.
The latest handover further reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to implementing the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which centres on deploying a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests, supporting joint operations, defending national sovereignty and contributing to the maintenance of internal stability.