A fresh dispute has erupted between the Nigerian Navy and the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard following the recent arrest of nine individuals by the Navy in Akwa Ibom State.

The Coast Guard has formally petitioned the Federal Ministry of Defence, demanding the immediate release of its members and calling on the Navy to halt what it described as unlawful detentions.

The arrests were carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, reportedly over allegations of involvement in illegal maritime activities.

However, the Nigerian Coast Guard, whose establishment bill is currently awaiting a third reading in the Senate, claims those arrested were its officials operating within legal bounds.

In a petition signed by Capt. O.E. Adeniran and addressed to the Director of the Navy Affairs Department at the Ministry of Defence, the Coast Guard described the arrests as a violation of the rights of its members and a threat to ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security in Nigeria.

“This action by the Nigerian Navy is not only unlawful but counterproductive to the government’s objective of improving security around the nation’s waterways,” the Coast Guard stated.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Senate Committee on Marine and Transport, and the Provisional Council of the proposed Coast Guard.

In its accompanying statement, the Coast Guard insisted on the unconditional release of its members and urged the Navy to refrain from any further interference in its operations.

“The actions taken by the Nigerian Navy not only disregard the rights of the individuals involved but also undermine the principles of due process and respect for the rule of law,” the Coast Guard said.

It added that the push for a Nigerian Coast Guard is a legitimate move aimed at bolstering maritime safety and national security.

“As we navigate through this unfortunate blunder, it is imperative for all branches of the armed forces to exercise prudence and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the statement continued.

“Respect for individual freedoms and the recognition of emerging organisations like the Nigerian Coast Guard are pivotal in fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.”

The organisation also appealed for a full investigation into the arrests and prosecution of any officials found to have acted outside the law.

In response, the Nigerian Navy defended its action. Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adams Aliu, maintained that the arrests were made within the scope of the law.

“It is an enforcement of the Federal Government Official Gazette signed on the 28th of August 2013, as enshrined in the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004,” Aliu told reporters.