Navy Denies Extorting Fishermen in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has dismissed media reports that its officers extort money from fishermen to protect them at sea during fishing expeditions.

The Base Operation Officer, Lieutenant Commander Samuel Olowookere, said the publication including the comments that over 700 sea militants invaded Ibaka Beach and kidnapped five fishermen and seized nine engines came to the Navy as a surprise.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives and stakeholders of the fishermen association in Ibaka, Olowookere said, “No fisherman during the period of their stay or prior to their stay paid the Nigerian Navy money for any work done.”