By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY on Monday, 22 September 2025, handed over the vessel MT GREAT PERFECT along with its 12 crew members to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The handover was conducted by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander K.K. Ahunanya, on behalf of the Commander NNS VICTORY, Commodore A. Oride.
According to Lt Cdr Ahunanya, the vessel was detained after a Falcon Eye surveillance report revealed that it had switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder near Kirikiri along the Badagry Creek on 21 June 2025. The vessel reportedly remained “dark” until its AIS signal reappeared in Equatorial Guinea’s Exclusive Economic Zone on 30 August 2025, before eventually proceeding to the NIWA jetty in Calabar.
Preliminary investigations indicated culpability on the part of the vessel, prompting the Navy to transfer it to NIMASA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Receiving the vessel on behalf of NIMASA, Port Service Controller Mr. Aina Akinbola confirmed the takeover and commended the Navy for its vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
admin