On Thursday, the Nigerian Navy handed over nine suspected pirates to the Interpol unit of the Nigeria Police, for allegedly possessing firearms and suspected crude oil within the Nigerian maritime domain.
The suspected pirates included three Greeks, an American and five Nigerians, according to data provided by local media.
The nine individuals and their vessel ‘Sea Angel 3’ were arrested in western Nigerian waters, during a joint operation by the Nigerian Navy and the US Navy, in support of African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership.
The operation’s named ‘Junction Rain’, aimed ‘to enhance the maritime enforcement capabilities of African partner nations while increasing interoperability between the two maritime forces‘.
The vessel, reportedly painted in naval colour, was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and suspected crude oil theft by NNS CENTENARY.
Meanwhile, four Bernelli MI-1 rifles, over 1,000 ammunition and other military gadgets were recovered. A discharge document was also recovered.
After receiving the suspects, Interpol Lagos chief, Tunji Akingbola, said investigation would commence immediately.
