The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CNS

  • Navy to acquire more platforms to fight crime, says CNS

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday said it will acquire more platforms, including helicopters and fast interceptor boats, among others, to strengthen its operations in years ahead.

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, stated this in Abuja, the nation’s capital, while addressing reporters on activities lined up for the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Navy.

    Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Bee Ibe-Enwo, the CNS said pirates’ activities, sea robbery and other criminal acts had reduced in the past four years due to the operations carried out by the military in the nation’s maritime domain.

    He said: “A major impediment to the efficiency of the NN at enhancing maritime security has been the inadequacy of effectors to respond to maritime security incidents. Within the period under review, this impediment has received constant and continuous attention through the acquisition of more platforms.

    “Noteworthy is the acquisition of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) – NNS Centenary and NNS Unity from China. The NN also inaugurated its second locally-built Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), NNS Karaduwa, during the period.

    “Furthermore, six OCEA Seaward Defence Boats (SDBs), namely NNS Nguru, Shiroro, Ekulu, Ose, Gongola and Calabra, were procured while over 200 riverine patrol boats were inducted for seaward and riverine operations.

    “The NN has also begun negotiations that would culminate in the procurement of a 100m Landing Ship Tank (LST) by June 2020 and 4 by 17 metres Fast Interceptor Boats (FIBs), which are expected to be delivered by November 2019.

    “The NN is also expecting the delivery of an offshore survey vessel in December 2019, while efforts are ongoing to acquire more helicopters for the NN Air Arm.”

    On the achievements of the Navy at figting crime on the nation’s waters, Ibas said: “There has been a reduction in reported cases of pirate/sea robbery attacks within Nigeria’s maritime domain. As records indicate, in 2016, a total of 77 pirate attacks were reported with 37, representing 48 per cent of the attacks, unsuccessful.

  • CNS warns Niger Delta Avengers against threat to resume hostilities

    The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) which recently issued a threat to resume destruction and bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta were warned yesterday by the military.

    Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas said no group had the strength to threaten the peace and unity of Nigeria.

    While issuing the threat, the militant group claimed that the Federal Government had not redressed the Niger Delta situation in spite of its promises.

    Admira Ete Ibas said yesterday at the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar that the navy was prepared to confront any threat in the region.

    “We are prepared for any group that threatens the unity and peace of our country. We are ready to stop all forms of illegal activities on our nation’s economic resources.

    “I am here to carry out an appraisal on the activities of all mobile units ashore, training establishment as well as exercise the fleet later.

    “No individual or group including the Niger Delta Avengers has the audacity to threaten the country and we will also make sure that Nigerians can use the maritime space unhindered.

    “We have in the last two years made a considerable impact of reducing the operations of pirates,’’ he said.

    He said that the presence of the Navy had given rise to maritime commerce, and that there had been remarkable improvement on the number of ships that were coming into the country.

    Ibas explained that the recent acquisition of 150 boats by Nigerian Navy which was produced by an indigenous company ‘Epenal Boat’, had created positive impact in the navy.

    “Most great nations are nations that are able to take their destiny in their hands.

    “I believe that Nigeria could look inwards and develop boats. We have identified that we have an indigenous boat company and we decided to try them, out given the type of challenges that we have,’’ he said.

    He added that the Navy on Nov. 12 arrested six pirates that attempted to hijack a ship, adding that the impact of the navy on sea had given rise to increased maritime activities.

    “From the various statistics we have, there is a remarkable increase in the volume of ships that are coming into our waters.

    “We also have to propagate the efforts of the Navy and also be able to reach out to Nigerians to know the negative effects that the activities of these maritime criminals have on our economy and the nation as a whole,” he said.

     

     

  • Police/Navy clash: CNS pledges to work with other security agencies

    Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas yesterday pledged to continue to work with other security agencies to ensure peace and security of Nigerians.

    Vice Admiral Ibas, who spoke through the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, said the unfortunate clash between the police and navy in Calabar last week was an accident that would not repeat itself.

    Real Admiral Osinowo was in the state to inspect the police station that was affected by the clash as well as visit those who sustained injuries at the police and navy hospitals.

    He also met with the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa as well as the deputy governor, Prof Ivara Esu.

    He later addressed officers and men of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, in the company of the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, on the need to work with other security agencies for the common purpose of security of Nigerians and warned that such incident should not happen again.

    He said a joint investigation had been launched into the matter, and culprits would be punished according to the law.

    A misunderstanding between a policeman and a Naval rating snowballed into a clash. Ratings stormed the Akim police station in Calabar and rain hails of bullets on and burn the station.

     

     

  • Insurgency: CNS concludes visit to Lake Chad naval base

    Insurgency: CNS concludes visit to Lake Chad naval base

    The Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, has concluded his visit to the Naval Out Post (NOP) in Lake Chad Basin on the outskirts of Baga town, in Borno.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Ezekobe said that the CNS concluded the visit on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the zone had been the hot bed of Boko Haram insurgency before the Nigerian military took control of the area.

    The director said that the CNS was informed that the insurgents had been routed out of their last strong hold of Malam Fatori.

    He also said that pockets of Boko Haram elements were on isolated islands on the Lake Chad.

    “The CNS inspected the temporary, accommodation site at the College of Fresh Water Fisheries at Baga as well as facilities at the temporary site at the Fish Dam 8km North-East of the College.

    “On arrival at Baga, the CNS was received by the GOC 8 Division, Brig.-Gen. Nani as well as the Commander, 7 Special Task Force, Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Saram.

    “The CNS was briefed on current activities in the general area of operations by the Commander, Special Task Force, as well as the Commander, Naval Out-Post Lake Chad, Navy Capt. D.D. Dangwel.

    “At the NOP site, the CNS was received by Alhaji Modu Musa, who is the Chief of Staff to Gov. Kashim Shettima of the state.

    “The Chief of Staff informed the CNS that the area used to be a trading base with links to Chad where several forms of commodities were traded,” Ezokobe said.

    He also said the Chief of Staff expressed optimism that a synergy with other security agencies would enable the Nigerian Navy to eliminate the remnants of the insurgents.

    According to him, this would help to restore Baga to its former position as a cross border trading post.

    The Commander, Naval Out-Post Lake Chad, Capt. Dangwell also informed the CNS of the wanton destruction that had taken place in the area

    This, he said, resulted to the disruption of not only essential support facilities but also all forms of telecommunications in the area.

    Ibas noted that the approach to the Naval Out-Post was challenged by very sandy terrain and requested the state to assist in making it motorable.

    The CNS, however, assured the community that the NN would help to improve security as well as provide relief materials to the people.

    Earlier, the CNS had been briefed by the Commander, “Operation Lafia Dole”, on the general security challenges in the North -East.

    NAN recalls that the Nigerian Navy had since established a Naval Base in the Lake Chad Basin.

    The service had also deployed special personnel to the area because of the activities of the insurgents, and to also rid the area of other criminal activities.

  • Navy arrests 20 vessels in six months, says CNS

    Navy arrests 20 vessels in six months, says CNS

    …..Destroy several illegal refineries, others

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday said it has arrested 20 vessels and destroyed 149 illegal refineries across the country since July.

    Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the annual sea inspection codenamed Exercise Treasure Guard held at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Ibas also stated that a total of 149 illegal refineries, 19 barges, 75 large wooden boats and 93 auxiliary equipments were destroyed during the same period.

    He noted that the force’ sustained drive to curb criminality at sea was in line with his emphasis on zero tolerance for illegalities within the maritime environment.

    Ibas, who listed the major achievements of the NN this year, noted that there has been an aggressive sea patrols with at least five capital vessels patrolling the waterways on a daily basis, with at least 65 boats of various sizes patrolling numerous rivers and creeks.

    “In the reviewed period, the NN has also been more aggressive in her patrol. She had thus been deploying at least five ships on a daily basis to sea to carry out routine patrols.

    “Additionally, there are at least 65 boats of various sizes patrolling numerous rivers and creeks daily. The NN patrol operations cover crude oil theft and anti illegal bunkering operations, anti-kidnapping and anti-hostage taking operations, anti-illegal fishing and anti-marine pollution, as well as maritime safety and administration operations.”

    While flagging off the exercise, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, who represented the Minister for Defence, Gen. Mohammed Ali, said the sea exercise was a necessity for the navy because it was the only way to ascertain the operational state of the force.

    Commending the navy for its ability to maintain its ships in spite of all odds, the CDS lauded the NN’s drive at curbing crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

     

  • Insecurity will be brought under control – CNS

    Insecurity will be brought under control – CNS

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ikot Ibas on Friday night said that insecurity would be brought under control in the country.

    Ibas gave the assurance while making remarks at the Christmas carol night organised by the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carol night is part of the ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the association.

    Ibas said: “Some of the ills we have in our country are because of loss of family bond; children are easily recruited by those that want to destroy our nation.

    ”Nigeria belongs to us and we must do everything possible to keep it.

    “We have our brothers and sisters in the North East, Niger-Delta and South-East where trouble is going on.

    ”We must pray for them. Insecurity will be brought under control.”

    In her opening remarks, the National President of NOWA, Mrs Theresa Ibas, said the carol service was one of the most potent images of Christmas, which when reflected upon, left happy thoughts.

    The wife of the naval chief said that the spiritual significance defines God’s love in the immaculate conception of Christmas.

    According to her, NOWA, every December, celebrates carols in unique style, which brings every family together to appreciate God’s love for mankind.

    She said that this year’s edition was, like others, interesting, with contemporary tunes.

    NAN reports that the carol service was held at the NNS Quorra Auditorium, Naval Base, Apapa.

    Carols were rendered by the NOWA Nursery and Primary and Secondary Schools and NOWA, among others, while a Steel Band from Navy Secondary School, Ojo, also had a performance.

    The carol service attracted naval personnel as well as their family members and friends.

  • It’s no longer business as usual for oil thieves, says Naval chief

    It’s no longer business as usual for oil thieves, says Naval chief

    •Navy not responsible for fuel scarcity

    From the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin came yesterday a warning to those engaging in illegality at sea: desist or risk being caught.

    Jibrin, who spoke during a joint military exercise between the Nigerian Navy and visiting Italian Navy Task Group tagged: “Exercise Ijewere” at the high sea, said that choke points have been established in troublesome areas with resources deployed to ensure no criminal was left uncaught.

    He was answering questions on how he intend to curb the rising incidents of crude oil theft as well as piracy that have robbed the nation economically.

    Jibril said: “We have deployed both human and material resources and have laid ambush to monitor all activities in the creeks.

    “Now, we wait for those who go to the creeks to perform illegality at anchorage positions. As long as we are able to establish choke points, all activities in the creeks now have just one passage way to deliver their ill-gotten goods. So, we wait for them and arrest them.”

    On allegations by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) that the Navy’s new tactics was responsible for the current fuel scarcity, Jibrin said the claim was unfounded.

    He noted that the force’s new approach in apprehending criminals may have resulted in one or two hours delay for ships, adding that only vessels without genuine documents are held.

    “NNPC can better explain what is happening. Though, I am not holding brief for them, I was told that the budget is a constrain that has limited NNPC’s effectiveness, particularly with regards to the subsidy issue which is extended to importers who bring in the products.

    “Right now, the amount that is produced locally is not enough to meet the demands of the population, that is why there is scarcity.

    “So, whoever is blaming the navy’s strategy of not allowing any ship pass our maritime domain unchecked by maritime forces for fuel scarcity is ignorant of the workings of the navy.

    “In the course of investigation, vessels may have encountered one or two hours delay but with genuine document, they are not delayed,” he said.

    On security situation in the Gulf of Guinea, the CNS said there is better cooperation between navies of neighbouring countries as criminals can now be pursued into Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana waters without restrictions.

     

  • CNS read riot act to naval officers

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Dele Ezeoba, yesterday, cautioned naval ratings and officers against complicity in illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

    He called for attitudinal change within the Navy to enable him actualise his new plan.

    Ezeoba spoke when he toured naval formations and facilities in Warri, Oghara and Sapele in Delta State.

    At the Naval Engineering College in Sapele, the CNS addressed officers and ratings and cautioned them against complicity. He called for a change of attitude.

    The Navy chief said a bulk of the bunkering and security problems the navy was saddled with was from the Bayelsa axis.

    His words: “Bayesla State is the ‘corridor’, where the Navy has enormity of the problem.

    “We have defined our operational guidelines and established parameters that will help us address the issue.

    “We have built platforms, enhanced training objectives that will help and we have also understood the need for a change of attitude by officers and men so that we can stop complicities that we have found to be part of the problem.

    “That is why I’m on this road map so that we can appeal to their conscience; give them positive guidance as to doing what is right so that collectively we can solve this problem.