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MTS Partners NMLA Against Victimised Members

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4 years ago

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The Mission to Seafarers (MTS) says it would partner with Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) to protect its members who are victimised on board vessels.
The partnership,  MTS said, would also bail seafarers who may be arrested and victimised in Nigeria over infractions or crimes committed by their ship owners.
Chairman, Management Committee, MTS, Lagos, Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi, made this known during the 2022 Annual Sea Sunday Service held at “Our Saviours Church”, TBS, Lagos.
Sarumi  said  the partnership is part of an enhanced effort to demonstrate gratitude to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global trade.
The former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), also said the MTS, Lagos, would significantly improve the Seafarers’ Centre in Apapa.
He indicated that MTS’ partnership with NMLA to provide legal representation became imperative now that rising global statistics show that many vessels are getting arrested and seafarers are increasingly detained over crimes or offences by owners of vessels.
Sarumi stressed the need for more stakeholders’ partnership for a vibrant MTS centre, equipped with modern facilities and the requisite personnel to attend to seafarers.
He noted that, “The seafarer is a worker that the world is yet to truly understand.
“These are workers who carry everything imported, that citizens of any nation utilise.
“When we were younger, the Seafarers’ Centre in Apapa was a beehive of activities.
“When seafarers come to Lagos ports, we bring them to that Apapa Centre to care for them.
“After spending 6 -10 weeks on the waters, when seafarers come to the shores of a nation that is not their home, it’s only befitting that they have a place where they are cared for psychologically, spiritually and physically.
“There is no better place to go than an establishment set up by a Christian organisation which is what MTS stands for,” Sarumi said.
He encouraged the church and other well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with MTS Lagos to make seafarers that come to the nation’s shores realise that the work they put in is truly appreciated.

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Business

Navy Hands Over Five Suspected Stowaways to NIS

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3 weeks ago

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June 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over five suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
The suspects were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Chinafrie Happiness, in an attempted illegal voyage out of the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by Sub Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi, Naval Assistant to the Commander, NNS Beecroft.
The statement said the Handover is part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security, curbing illegal migration, and enhancing safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
According to the statement, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The five suspects were safely evacuated by Naval Personnel’s and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation, profiling, and documentation before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action.
The statement gave their identity as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31).
Preliminary findings indicated that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port with the intention of stowing away to India without valid travel documentation or authorisation.
The statement also noted that stowaway attempts pose significant risks to human life and maritime safety, as individuals often hide in hazardous compartments of vessels under extreme conditions that could lead to injury or death.
The Naval statement  warned that illegal boarding of ships remains a serious maritime security challenge and called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youths from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to sustained maritime security operations in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a professional and effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations for national security.
Chinedu Wosu
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Business

Navy Nabs 13 Black Sand Miners In Bayelsa –Impound Two Boats

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3 weeks ago

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June 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy has arrested Thirteen 13 Black Sand miners in Bayelsa state
The Service also impounded two Wooden Boats used for the illegal operations
Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Abuja.
Folorunsho said with the operation, the Navy had recorded another operational success in its efforts to curb illegal exploitation of natural resources
According to Folorunsho the operation was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, following credible intelligence on the movement of boats suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities.
He said  the intelligence revealed  the boats were operating within the coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area.
“Acting on the intelligence, Naval personnel intercepted the boats at Lekeson and Liama communities, where large quantities of suspected illegally mined black sand were discovered onboard.
“A total of 13 crew members were arrested in connection with the activity,” he said.
The Naval Director of information said that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and preventing the illegal exploitation of natural resources that undermine economic development and environmental sustainability.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against illegal resource extraction and other maritime crimes, while maintaining security and stability within the nation’s waterways,” he said.
Folorunsho also said that the two wooden boats recovered, the black sand and the 13 suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Nembe Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said this was done in line with the extant procedures and directives of the Bayelsa Government.
The Naval spokesperson reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime resources.
 Folorunsho assured that it would also ensure that the nation’s waterways remain safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.
CHINEDU WOSU
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Maritime

NCS Holds Free Medical Outreach For 2,000 Daura Residents 

Published

2 months ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its 7th Retreat Medical Outreach in Daura, Katsina State,
Customs said the Free medical outreach is aimed at providing free healthcare services to residents of the area.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the programme would provide general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear care, as well as minor surgical operations for beneficiaries.
Tijjani-Abe said medical teams deployed for the exercise would also provide free medications to patients attending the outreach.
He added that the service would visit schools within the area to deworm students and distribute health kits and mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among children.
Also Speaking, Dr Ethelbert Ikechukwu, Medical Team Leader of the outreach said the exercise was part of the initiative of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which had been carried out in different parts of the country over the years.
According to him, the programme is designed to support communities where customs personnel operate by offering free medical consultations and medications to residents.
Ikechukwu further explained that patients whose conditions could not be fully managed at the outreach centre would be referred to appropriate medical facilities for further treatment.
Ikechukwu urged members of the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that the medical teams comprised highly qualified healthcare professionals.
The outreach targets about 2,000 patients across various areas of medical care.
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