The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Ex-Rep aspirant Agba seeks justice for 5-year-old rape victim

    Ex-Rep aspirant Agba seeks justice for 5-year-old rape victim

    A former House of Representatives aspirant, Dr. Martha Agba, has expressed displeasure over the controversial punishment handed to a suspected rapist by community elders in Bekwarra Local Government in a case involving a minor.

    The incident involves a 60-year-old man from the Atibulum clan in Gakem Bekwarra, who was accused of raping a five-year-old girl.

    Instead of being handed over to the police, the matter was adjudicated by community elders, who reportedly settled the case by ordering the man to provide three goats and a crate of beer as punishment.

    This resolution has been met with widespread condemnation, with prominent voices like activist Dr. Agba labelling it a gross miscarriage of justice and an insult to the victim.

    “The punishment handed down to the suspect is not just mild; it is barbaric and tantamount to endorsing violence against children,” Agba stated in a press release.

    “To equate the lifelong trauma of a five-year-old girl to farm animals and alcohol is deeply dehumanising and sets a dangerous precedent.”

    Agba is now leading the charge for what she calls “stricter persecution,” insisting that the case must be transferred from the traditional justice system to the Nigerian courts.

    “This man must be made to face the full cause of the law. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VPP) Act and the Child Rights Law exist for a reason.

    “We cannot allow archaic and insensitive traditional practices to override the statutory laws of Nigeria, especially for a crime as grievous as rape.

    “The message this sends to other potential offenders is that they can violate our children and buy their way out with a few commodities. This is unacceptable,” Agba continued.

    “We are calling on the Cross River State Police Command to immediately arrest the man, investigate the crime, and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.

    “We also demand that the young victim receive immediate psychosocial support and medical care.”

    As of the time of this report, it remains unclear if the police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

    Public pressure is mounting, with many on social media echoing Martha Agba’s demands for state-sanctioned justice for the victim.

    The case has highlighted the ongoing tension between traditional justice systems and statutory law in many parts of Nigeria.

    While community elders often seek to resolve disputes internally, activists and legal experts argue that serious criminal offences, particularly those of a sexual and violent nature, fall outside their jurisdiction.

  • Environmental degradation: Abia govt plans to rehabilitate FUTO dilapidated roads

    Environmental degradation: Abia govt plans to rehabilitate FUTO dilapidated roads

    The Abia State Government has promised Governor Alex Otto’s intervention in deploying resources to repair the dilapidated road infrastructure at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

    This was disclosed by the Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Africa Representative of the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), USA, Professor Joel Ogbonna, in a keynote address presented at the International Conference on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (ICPES 2025), held at FUTO.

    Prof. Ogbonna was concerned about the deplorable roads and assured that urgent action would be taken to address the issue promptly.

    “When I arrived at FUTO, I was excited, but I was shocked to see the state of the roads in the university. Today we are here to discuss sustainable development and climate change, we must do all we can to protect our environment and I can assure you that something urgent will be done to address the deployable roads.”

    He emphasized that achieving sustainable and resilient livelihoods requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society collaborating to innovate and implement procurement policies that prioritize environmental stewardship and social justice.

    Prof. Ogbonna urged, “Let us use the lessons learned from this Conference to reaffirm our commitment to embedding equity, justice, and sustainability into procurement processes, advancing environmental and social standards that protect human health and the planet, and building resilient livelihoods that withstand the growing threats of climate change.”

    The Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Nnenna Oti, noted that universities are the beating heart of global knowledge, where scholars gather to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and shape the future.

    Prof. Oti stated that the conference themed “Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards: Achieving Sustainable and Resilient Livelihoods in the Face of Climate Change,” “is a call to action, to rethink how we procure, protect, and uphold social standards in a rapidly changing world.”

    In their separate addresses, the CE-sPESS Director, Prof. Gloria Chukwudebe and Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Prof. C.O Nwoko noted that climate change was no longer a distant threat, but a present reality shaping economies, communities and ecosystems , adding that the conference was designed to promote and foster research, development and innovation that would drive economic growth.

    “We need to replicate standard compliance for procurement, environmental and social development practices. We need to build roads and guarantee 10 years before maintenance, we need to guarantee the air quality, water quality in all our towns, we need to guarantee the health, well being and social livelihood of all communities. That is what distinguishes Nigeria from advanced world,” they said.

  • Onyejeocha chooses reflection over celebration on birthday, emphasises unity

    Onyejeocha chooses reflection over celebration on birthday, emphasises unity

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, marked her birthday on Sunday, with a message to Nigerians, having visited orphanages on Saturday to share in compassionate service rather than hosting lavish celebrations.

    “As I mark another year today, my heart is with every Nigerian facing the uncertainty and pain that these challenging times bring,” the Minister said.

    On Saturday, she visited City of Refuge Orphanage Home in Durumi and Destined Children’s Orphanage at Kado Estate, Abuja, donating food items and welfare materials to vulnerable children.

    Onyejeocha spoke directly to the nation’s challenges, acknowledging attempts to undermine collective unity and progress, while issuing a strong call for resilience and hope.

    “While we are confronted by despair and deliberate sabotage of our collective will for unity and progress, we must choose hope over despair, unity over designed fragmentation of our people,” she stated.

    Drawing on Nigeria’s history of overcoming adversity, the Minister expressed confidence in the nation’s future.

    “Nigeria has weathered horrendous storms in times past, we will together do it again and emerge victorious as one nation under God,” she declared, adding: “Peace will indeed return to our land.”

    The Minister’s decision to visit orphanages rather than celebrate lavishly has been praised as compassionate leadership that prioritizes service above self.

    At both City of Refuge Orphanage Home, Durumi and Destined Children’s Orphanage, Kado Estate, Onyejeocha spent time with the children, distributing food items and welfare materials while offering words of encouragement.

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    The visits reflected her belief that leadership must be demonstrated through service, especially during challenging times.

    Onyejeocha’s message comes as Nigeria continues to address security challenges in various parts of the country.

    The Minister urged Nigerians to retain hope in the sincerity and capacity of the Tinubu administration to address and overcome these challenges. She emphasized that the government remains firmly committed to the safety and protection of all citizens.

    Her message appears aimed at rallying Nigerians around shared values of unity and resilience, expressing confidence in the administration’s efforts to strengthen peace and security across the country.

  • Abia CP orders tight security for schools, worship centres, public facilities

    Abia CP orders tight security for schools, worship centres, public facilities

    The Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, has directed all Divisional Police heads across the state’s 17 local government areas to ensure that schools, both government and private, as well as worship centres, are adequately protected.

    He further instructed police officers to safeguard public facilities and properties from vandalism, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance across all areas of responsibility.

    The directive came during a security awareness tour of various Area Commands under the state command.

    Read Also: Akume urges indigenous firms to leverage Nigeria’s First Policy as Sole want Group hosts Africa Energy Summit

    CP Isa warned Area Commanders, Divisional Heads, and members of the state Tactical Team to prioritise the safety of their jurisdictions.

    According to the Command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, the tour covered Obehie, Ugwunagbo, CPS Aba, Owerrenta, Ubakala, CPS Umuahia, Area Command Aba, Area Command Umuahia, and other divisions across Abia State.

    “The Commissioner of Police appealed to residents to be proactive by providing useful information to the Police, either at the nearest station or via the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08035415405, 0879210004, 08079210005, 08079210006,” Chinaka said.

    CP Isa stressed that security coverage must extend to schools, worship centres, and other critical government infrastructures to ensure public safety.

  • Philanthropist empowers Delta schools, revitalises reading culture among youths

    Philanthropist empowers Delta schools, revitalises reading culture among youths

    …as winners emerge in the secondary schools quiz competition

    Worried by the noticeable decline in reading habits among Nigerian youths, a foremost philanthropist, Dr. Gabriel Mabatah, has said he will not rest on his laurels to change the narrative in the country.

    Dr. Mabatah, a practising pharmacist and medical doctor, believed that the poor reading culture poses a threat to the future leadership of the country.

    The philanthropist from Emuhu in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, whose efforts span youths empowerment, medical outreach, educational support, and community development, believes that the measure of a meaningful life lies in the number of lives uplifted.

    Mabatah emphasised education, mentorship, and skills acquisition as solutions to youth unemployment and social restiveness.

    He encouraged intentional parenting and called for stronger institutions and improved security.

    Over the weekend, all roads led to Ika National Hall, Agbor, where the grand finale of the quiz competition among government secondary schools in Ika North East and Ika South Constituency took place.

    The competition, organised under the auspices of the Gabriel Mbadiwe Mabatah Movement (GMM) and Mabatah Grace Francesca (MGF) under the supervision of the Delta State Ministry of Education, saw 43 secondary schools participating.

    Six secondary schools, including Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, Owanta Secondary School, and Ute-Okpu Grammar, made it to the final six.

    After the intense competition graced by many monarchs, education stakeholders, teachers, captains of industry, students, among others, Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, emerged the quiz champion and went home with N500,000 cash prize.

    The first runner-up went to Ogbemudein Mixed Secondary School, which got N300,000, and the second runner-up, Igumbo-Otiku Secondary School, which went home with N200,000 prize money. The other three contenders got N100,000 each as consolation.

    Speaking after the competition, the Coordinator, GMM, Chief Isaac Iyadi, said the quiz was inspired by societal challenges, emphasising the need for youth development.

    He said the initiator of the event, Dr. Gabriel Mabata, believed that the nation’s progress hinges on the intellectual and educational growth of its youth.

    He identified reading as a critical skill for future leaders.

    Iyadi said, “There’s a noticeable decline in reading habits among Nigerian youth, which poses a threat to future leadership.

    “Developing the mindset of young people through educational initiatives is considered vital for societal advancement. The competition serves as a motivational tool to encourage children to engage more with reading.”

    The coordinator said participants in the competition benefited significantly from their preparation, leading to enduring knowledge acquisition.

    Iyadi said apart from the quiz competition, Dr. Mabatah had implemented numerous educational projects, including distribution of textbooks to schools in Ika Federal Constituency, construction of modern toilet facilities in schools, employment and salary payment for teachers over three years, as well as establishment of water boreholes for schools.”

    He said the intention of the organisers is to make the competition an annual event for all public secondary schools, noting that the competition also aims to increase students’ familiarity with their local environment and issues, addressing gaps in knowledge about their surroundings.

    He contended that during the quiz, the participating students demonstrated insufficient knowledge about local governance and community matters, despite being informed about international topics.

    “Despite fluency in English, there is a struggle with local languages and cultural context,” he noted

    Also, the Vice Principal of the winning school, Mrs Inyang Nsime, expressed a strong belief in the capabilities of their students, citing the importance of preparation extending beyond just the competition day.

    Nsime asserted, “I said from the beginning that we were coming to dominate. We came with full confidence that we were going to dominate because when you are preparing for exams, it is not just that day. What our students exhibited is who they are and what has been inculcated into them.

    “My advice for students generally is that they should listen to their teachers, do extra work and study very well, and put what they have been taught into practice. They should avoid any form of distraction.”

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    The overall winner, Miss Ifem Miracle Nmeri, of Owa Model Secondary School, Boji-Boji Owa, stated: “I feel over the moon winning this competition. The preparation was a bit hectic with sleepless nights and all that. I thank the organizers for this wonderful competition and the scholarship they have been giving to some people. The success today will serve as a great motivation for me moving forward.”

    In his remarks, a Lagos-based chartered accountant, Chief Fred Ojei, said that by the competition, organisers are trying to catch “our young ones very young. It captured everything to enable the students to have an all-round knowledge.”

    He commended the initiator of this activity, Dr. Gabriel Mabata, a double professional —pharmacist and medical doctor, saying it is a testament to compassion, purpose, and service.

    He urged the students to cultivate good values in society to impact society.

    He urged the education officials that whenever this type of event is taking place, they should send other students in solidarity to cheer up their representatives. 

  • Grant IPOB leader Kanu state pardon,, group begs Tinubu

    Grant IPOB leader Kanu state pardon,, group begs Tinubu

    The Nigerian Youths Arising (NIYA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant clemency to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. 

    The group described a political solution as the most viable path to resolving the matter, urging the  President to invoke Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to free Kanu in the wider interest of the country.

    In a statement by its President General, Comr..Ben Emeruwa, and Chief Press Secretary, Comrade C. Innocent, NIYA argued that similar clemency had been extended in the past to  political actors and agitators across the country.

    The group cited the rehabilitation and amnesty granted to some bandits in the North as well as the widely acclaimed amnesty programme for the Niger Delta militants, noting that these measures were implemented to reduce political tension and promote stability. 

    NIYA warned that failure to resolve the matter politically could heighten tension and the prevailing insecurity in the South-East, where many residents of the region believe Kanu’s is being subject to unfair treatment.

    The group said: “We must also point out without any form of equivocation that this is not the first time that such similar clemency has been granted to political offenders. 

    “For example most of the bandits and  terrorists  in northern Nigeria who were arrested, instead of being prosecuted in court were given reorientation, amnesty, and in most recent times some of them were recruited into the Nigerian security forces. All of these were done for the sake of peace and to douse down political tensions within the Nigerian polity. 

    “Another classical example was the case of the Niger-delta militants who were political agitators aggrieved over the then marginalisation of the niger delta people in Nigeria; a political solution was given to them via amnesty given to thousands of militants across the niger-delta region without any criminal prosecution meted on them.Why must the Kanu case be any different?

    It added that granting clemency would give the people of South East a renewed sense of belonging in line with federal character principle enshrined in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution. 

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    NIYA noted that while Kanu’s outburst in court may have posed challenges for his legal team, they should not be used as grounds for ignoring political solution to the matter. 

    While acknowledging Kanu’s outburst in court, the group insisted such behaviour which stem from frustration should not be used as grounds to deny a political solution. 

    “On this note, our candid advice goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, only you can solve this. We recommend that you invoke the provisions of section 174 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and let Mazi Nnamdi Kanu go. Show yourself to be a true hero of fairness!, show yourself to be a true protector of our fragile democracy!, lead the way like “Prophet Moses(Musa) of the holy books” who led captives into freedom. Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu !.

    “We must keep preaching unity, we must keep preaching democracy, we must also keep fighting for true practice of equality under the law. Nigeria must succeed,” it added.

  • A’Ibom INPA reaffirms commitment to members’ welfare, synergy, sustainable growth

    A’Ibom INPA reaffirms commitment to members’ welfare, synergy, sustainable growth

    The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA), Akparawa Emmanuel Sam, has commended members of the association for their dedication and resilience in the publishing business, noting that INPA is fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria.

    He clarified that the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association in Akwa Ibom State was established strictly to advance the business interests of newspaper publishers, not as a political platform or government-aligned group.

    According to him, the association’s core mission is to create an enabling environment where publishers thrive through hard work, passion, and professional independence.

    “As independent-minded professionals, members of INPA are encouraged to embrace self-reliance. The association does not dictate what members should or should not publish. Each publisher retains full editorial independence,” he stated.

    Sam emphasized that INPA’s role is to offer support, foster collaboration, and create sustainable growth opportunities for publishing businesses. He stressed that he has never and would never influence the content of any member’s publication.

    “At no time would I influence the content of your publications. I cannot decide your editorial. What I give is advert and I pay for it, not news or anything in your medium,” he assured.

    The BoT Chairman further highlighted INPA’s commitment to building synergy among publishers through cooperation and shared strength, noting that the association evolved through consistent engagements aimed at unifying publishers in the state.

    He also explained that the presidency of INPA runs for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, adding that the association operates transparently and without zoning or political considerations.

    “Membership is open to all publishers who share the vision of advancing the newspaper business. Contributions are minimal and strictly for administrative needs such as registration, ensuring no member is financially burdened,” he said.

    Sam reiterated that INPA is not an opposition group but a professional body committed to constructive engagement and upholding journalistic integrity.

    “In summary, INPA is dedicated to the welfare of its members, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategies for the sustainability and growth of newspaper publishing in Akwa Ibom State,” he concluded.

    The meeting’s highlight was the presentation of CAC certificates of registration, the association’s constitution, and other official documents.

  • Lawyer, others to remain in FCID custody for allegedly cyberbullying Senator Buba

    Lawyer, others to remain in FCID custody for allegedly cyberbullying Senator Buba

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered a lawyer, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and his co-defendants to remain in the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Force Headquarters.

    Adjourning the case against them on Wednesday, Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia fixed November 24 to deliver ruling in the lawyer’s bail application and for further hearing on the matter.

    The five defendants are being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on allegations bordering on cyberbullying Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

    The IGP named Abdulrahman, 41; Daure David, 35; Ishaq Muhammed, 25; Abdulrashid Musa, 30; and Nasir Abubakar, 21, as 1st to 5th defendants, respectively. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025, was dated October 3 and filed by Anthony Egwu on October 6.

    They were arraigned on October 30 on 11-count charge, which also bordered on offences such as cybercrime, defamation, advance fee fraud, among others. They pleaded not guilty to the counts and Justice Ajumogobia ordered their remand at the FCID.

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    At Wednesday’s hearing, Afeez Matanmi, appearing for Abdulrahman, told the court that the matter was rescheduled for his client’s bail application. He said in compliance with the judge’s directive, he filed a reply on points of law to the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

    Matanmi, who said the application was dated and filed on November 3, prayed the court to grant their prayer. Similarly, A. A. Badmus, lawyer for the 4th defendant, informed the court that they also had a bail application.

    The judge, however, told Badmus that the application cannot be taken because the time was far spent. “I will hear you on Monday,” Justice Ajumogobia said. She then adjourned until November 24 for ruling on the 1st defendant’s bail application as well as for mention.

    In count one, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired “to commit an offence, to wit; cyberstalking against Senator Shehu Buba Umar,” contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

    In count three, Abdulrahman, the 1st defendant, was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his Tiktok handle with user name “Kibanna Channel” and his Youtube channel to defame the lawmaker by linking him to sponsorship of banditry with a view to tarnishing his image.

    The prosecutor says Abdulrahman’s label of Senator Umar as banditry sponsor was “a statement you made by means of computer systems and network knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and causing the Senator fear of death.”

    The offence contravenes Section 24(1)(5) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024. In another count, Daure David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from the Senator under false pretense that the money will be used to settle those planning to protest against him.

  • Kanu: Time is now right to approach Tinubu for clemency – Ahamba

    Kanu: Time is now right to approach Tinubu for clemency – Ahamba

    A legal luminary and elder statesman, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) has said that the time is now ripe to approach President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant clemency to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

    Ahamba stated this shortly after Kanu’s conviction on Thursday, saying the President now has the power to grant Kanu a pardon.

    READ ALSO; Senate seeks fresh solutions to rising insecurity

    “So, for those who had been urging the President to release Nnamdi Kanu during the trial, now is the right time for them to do so. Mr. President was not competent to do so during the trial,” Ahamba said.

    Ahamba said that although Kanu has the right of appeal, this is the time for people to approach the President to talk about his release.

    “Although he has the right of appeal, the time is now ripe for a reasonable approach to Mr President for clemency,” he stated.

  • Nine ships, three Helicopters, others for Eastern Navy Sea inspection

    Nine ships, three Helicopters, others for Eastern Navy Sea inspection

    • …as exercise commences Tuesday

    The Nigerian Navy has begun its annual Sea inspection exercise to prepare its officers and men for effective security of the Nigerians Maritime interests.

    The exercise being carried out by the Eastern Naval Command and code-named Ex Din Mingi( Safe Waters in Ibani Language), was flagged off by the Fleet Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Donald Okehie, in Nigerian Navy -Ship(NNS) SHERE, at Navy Jetty, Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    Okehie speaking notes that “Ex DIN MINGI encapsulates these 4 pillars, hence the theme Protecting critical infrastructure through inter-agency collaboration. “

    The movement which began shortly after the flag-off on Tuesday is expected to end on Wednesday, November 19.

    No fewer than nine various sizes and categories of ships, three Helicopters and several multipurpose assault boats from both the Nigerian Army, the Air Force and the Navy were deployed to the inspection.

    These he said are to show how combat ready the Navy is towards protecting the nation’s economic assets in the territorial waters.

    “In all, 9 ships of different classes, helicopters both from the NN and NAF, Epsilon EP55 UAV as well as multipurpose assault boats from the NA and NN will be deployed for the Exercise. Of particular note is the opposed boarding of a purportedly hijacked LNG vessel, an evolution that takes cognizance of the unique nature of vessels conveying liquified natural gas and specialized skills required to neutralize threats without compromising vessel safety and integrity.

    “In addition, some officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will embark to assist identify psychoactive substances on a suspected ship as part of efforts to foster collaboration.

    “The exercise is to access operational readiness of Eastern fleet, display multi-agency and multi-dimensional approach by deploying platforms including air assets to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

    “This exercise will last for today, (yesterday), November 18 and tomorrow November 19, 2025.”he said.

    Speaking on the impact of previous exercises Okehie noted that apart from enhancing the Force capabilities to face real events in the Maritime space, it fosters inter-agency collaboration and harmonization.

    “In the Armed forces we need retraining to perform our daily operations, so the exercise is part of our training objectives, to ensure that the men are combat ready to take on their duties.

    “The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has clearly declared his mission as to deploy a highly motivated and professional Naval Force, capable of securing Nigerian Maritime interests, and for the purpose of effective and diligent operations, to maintain national stability.”

    “Sea Inspection also fosters inter-agency collaboration, streamline tactics, processes and procedures, in readiness for real time operations. “Some officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) are involved in the exercise to assist identify psychoactive substances on a suspected ship as part of efforts to foster collaboration.” he said.

    Earlier, the command had recalled its numerous achievements and spoke on the plans of the commander; “Eastern Naval Command has recorded several successes, (including arrest of vessels involved in economic sabotage activities and other criminalities), towards ensuring a secure maritime environment in support of the Federal Government sustainable development of the Blue Economy.

    “Notwithstanding these successes, the Command under the leadership of Rear Admiral CD Okehie, intends to rejig operations towards achieving better results. Accordingly, he has hit the ground running with 4 key Pillars to support his command philosophy. These are Professionalism, Operational Readiness, Welfare and Inter-Agency collaboration.

    “It will simultaneously assist in the enforcement of laws within the territorial waters as part of Nigerian Navy Coast Guard roles in addition to military and diplomatic roles.”he said.

    The FOC assured that participating units would exhibit utmost professionalism and adherence to Rule of engagement (ROE) as well as standard Operation Procedure (SOP), during and after the exercise.