Nigerian Navy Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Three Vessels Intercepted Over AIS, Restricted Waters
Nigerian Navy Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Three Vessels Intercepted Over AIS, Restricted Waters
The Nigerian Navy has intensified its campaign against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the country’s waters, intercepting three fishing vessels over alleged activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s marine resources and fisheries sector.
The vessels — MV OLUFUNKE 1, MV IRUO OGHENE and AM 8702 — were intercepted between August 26 and 28, 2026, during Operation ABO EJA 2026 within the Western Naval Command’s Area of Responsibility.
Following preliminary investigations, the Navy handed the vessels over to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (FDFA) at the Defence Jetty in Lagos for further investigation and possible regulatory action.
According to the Navy, preliminary findings raised concerns over alleged fishing in restricted areas, irregularities involving Automatic Identification System (AIS) and communication equipment, as well as discrepancies relating to vessel classification and documentation.
The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, was represented at the handover by an executive officer of the command.
The Navy said transferring the vessels to the FDFA would allow fisheries regulators to conduct detailed examinations, determine whether violations occurred and decide on appropriate enforcement measures in line with existing laws.
The development brings renewed attention to the challenge posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to Nigeria’s marine resources, coastal livelihoods and food security.
AIS technology is an important component of maritime surveillance because it allows vessels to transmit identification, position and movement information, helping authorities monitor activities at sea.
Irregularities involving such systems can therefore complicate efforts by maritime authorities to track fishing activities and enforce regulations.
The interception of the vessels was part of Operation ABO EJA, a collaborative fisheries protection initiative involving the Nigerian Navy and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The operation combines naval surveillance and enforcement capabilities with the regulatory expertise of fisheries officials to identify and tackle suspected violations in Nigerian waters.
The Western Naval Command said coordinated patrols, inspections, surveillance and intelligence sharing would remain central to efforts to curb illegal fishing and other maritime violations.
Nigeria’s fisheries sector has faced persistent pressure from illegal fishing activities at a time when the country remains heavily dependent on imported fish to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption.
This makes protection of local fish stocks increasingly important not only as a maritime security issue but also as part of the country’s food security and blue economy objectives.
The Navy said its operations would continue under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, as part of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests and prevent unlawful exploitation of marine resources.
The FDFA is expected to determine the next regulatory steps concerning the three vessels after completing its investigation.
