Nigerian Navy on Friday restated its commitment to fight sea pirates and other criminal violence in Akwa Ibom waterways.

The Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore David Adeniran, stated this while interacting with newsmen in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, saying the Navy would ensure effective policing on the waterways.

Adeniran also promised that the Navy would put an end to the incessant piracy and continue to sustain their presence on the waterways in the state.

He said the Navy was recently involved in serious gun battle with some sea pirates at Mbo, adding, however, that no life was lost in the battle.

The commander added that the Navy had sophisticated gun boats to fight sea pirates in Akwa Ibom creeks.

``We decided to send in our gun boats to Mbo but when we got there, sea pirates opened fire on our men, fortunately enough, our men conquered them and they ran away.

``Sea pirates have been harassing people in the creeks, they thought there were all and all but when they saw our boats and the fire power we had, they ran to the creeks.

``Good enough for us nobody was injured but we hope that next time, we will be able to grab one of them,’’ the commander said.

He noted that the waterways in Mbo were calm due to the gun battle between them and the sea pirates in the area.

Meanwhile, he said, one suspected bunkerer was arrested in Akwa Ibom.

``We got information that they were dealing in illegally refined products, so we went there and we were able to arrest somebody suspected to be the owner of the jetty and the products and we seized some products,’’ he said.

He said that the suspect would be handed over to Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution. (NAN)

Photo shows: Naval ship

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