Security Agents Impound Explosives-Laden Vessel In PH

Security agents at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Port Harcourt Port have impounded a vessel with a container load of explosives and arrested its crew members.

Sources at the Port told The Tide that the vessel, with inscription, “Iron Trader”, and brought in by Supermaritime Nigeria Limited, allegedly came into Terminal A, Area 1 of the port with steel tubes and a container loaded with explosives.

The sources also said that while the steel tubes were duly manifested, the explosives were not in any manifest, an indication that it was illegally imported into the country.

The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO), Mr. Peskom Memba told The Tide at the port that, the attention of security agents was drawn to the vessel when it was discovered that a container in the vessel was marked, “Explosive 1.2f”.

Memba said that following the discovery that the container contains explosives not manifested, officials Supermaritime Nigeria Limited were immediately arrested for interrogation while the container was confiscated for further investigation.

The port security officer, however, said that either the explosives were illegally imported into the country or it was in transit to another port or another country.

He, however, said that since 2007 when he took over, it was the first time the port would receive such contraband goods.

A cross section of security officers at the port, however, refused to speak to The Tide on the issue,

At the Public Relations Department of the authority, an officer, who spoke under condition of anonymity, claimed ignorance of the development.

In the same vein, the Harbour Master also denied knowledge of the incident.

However, security officials who spoke with The Tide, confirmed that the crew members of the vessel have been arrested and taken away for interrogation.

When asked where the suspects were detained, the officials declined to disclosed the location of their detention and how many of the crew members were arrested for interrogation.