The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Navy

  • Navy hands over arrested fishing vessel, 14 crew members including Ghanaian to FDF

    Navy hands over arrested fishing vessel, 14 crew members including Ghanaian to FDF

    The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Escravos in Warri Southwest council area of Delta state, has handed over an arrested merchant fishing vessel allegedly engaged in illegal shrimping within the non-trawling zone of the nation’s waters to the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF).

    The vessel identified as DR MARIUS 1, had one Ghanian with an expired passport and 13 Nigerians as crew members onboard.

    In a statement made available to reporters in Warri, the Navy disclosed that the interception and arrest were “in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic End State (CNS-SD 2023 – 6) and command philosophy centered on the attainment of a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea”.

    The statement which was signed by the Base Commander, Captain O. A. Aliu revealed that the vessel was intercepted at Pennington Oil Terminal position Latitude 04026.399’N Longitude 005037.970’E.

    Read Also: Navy decorates 22 newly promoted Commodores, Captains, Commanders

    It read: “Available data from Central Regional Control Centre Surveillance Report indicates that the Fishing Vessel allegedly engaged in illegal shrimping within 5nm non-trawling zone from the coastline contrary to Nigeria’s Fishing Act.

    “Merchant Fishing Vessel DR MARIUS 1 with International Maritime Organization Number 8970299 is a Fishing Vessel owned by Karflex Fisheries Limited.

    “She was found contravening certain local Nigerian Maritime and Fishery Laws, notably, engaged in shrimping within a 5nm non-trawling zone without a Turtle Excluder Device.

    “Also, as corroborated by the Captain, Mr Abraham Enebor, the Ghanaian onboard had an expired International Passport which contravenes the Nigerian Immigration Act.

    “Merchant Fishing Vessel DR MARIUS 1 was handed over to the Federal Department of Fisheries by Forward Operating Base Escravos for further investigation and appropriate sanctioning”.

    Emphasizing the CNS’ commitment to collaborating with the FDF to eliminate unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s fishery resources, the Navy warned that the arrest would serve as a “deterrent to other fishing vessels committing such infractions in Nigerian waters”. 

    Navy
  • Navy decorates 22 newly promoted Commodores, Captains, Commanders

    Navy decorates 22 newly promoted Commodores, Captains, Commanders

    The Nigerian Navy on Thursday, December 28, decorated newly promoted Commodores, Captains and Commanders.

    The Navy Board had on December 21 approved their promotions to the new rank.

    Those decorated with rank of Commodore are Captain TM Abdulrahim, Captain BA Kuton,

    Captain TS Ngada, Captain GU Nwabunike, Captain OE Oladipo, and Captain SM Tasiu.

    Those decorated with the rank of Captain are Commander BI Hadi, Commander EO Omeje, Commander TG Abusi, Commander NF Omeire, 

    Commander OA Ekokotu, Commander TG Adeyemi, Commander AM Idu, Commander YA Kurba, and Commander RE Oparaji

    While those decorated with the rank of Commander are LT. Commander S Munnir, LT. Commander AS Adamu,

    LT. S Nenshi, LT. Commander Y Tegina, LT. Commander S Yakubu, 

    LT. Commander RO Iyinbo, and LT. Commander IK Mohammed.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, charged the newly promoted officers to be more dedicated to their duties.

    The CNS who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Joseph Apkan, said the officers emerged successful after rigorous screening.

    Read Also: Navy decorates 29 Rear Admirals, urges dedication

    He said: “Promotions in the military, though really regular, do not connot a process that lacks regirous scrutiny and fairness. Therefore, any of the successful officer seated here today can not take this particular promotion for granted that is why we follow this age long tradition to formally decorate the successful senior officers at each of the promotion boards.

    “The officers have emerged put of several others of their colleagues and it is a testament to their dedication, deligence and loyalty.

    “Their investiture today herald a new phase in their career and demands for higher commitment, dedication and output in the service of our nation, especially at this auspicious moment in the history of our country.”

    He appreciated the spouses of the newly decorated officers for their support to their husbands as they perform their national duty.

  • Arewa group calls for probe of Navy over oil theft

    Arewa group calls for probe of Navy over oil theft

    A group, Arewa Intelligentia Caucus (AIC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to investigate the Navy under Admiral Ogalla over allegations of crude oil theft, economic sabotage, and promotion of insecurity in the country’s waterways. 

    The group said the allegation made by another group, Odua Integrity Network, should not be discarded. 

    A statement by its president, Abubakah Ciroma, and publicity secretary, Nasir Adamu, recalled that the federal government had contracted the surveillance and protection of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region to private security companies when the Navy abysmally failed in its duty.

    These security companies are Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, and Pipelines Infrastructures Limited (PIL) managed by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase ÌII are placed under the supervision of a Project Management Office- the Inter – Atlas Synergy Limited (IASL). 

    According to the Arewa group, crude oil production has improved dramatically to over 1.7 million barrels per day, from below 700 thousand barrels it was before they stepped in.

    Read Also: Navy decorates 29 Rear Admirals, urges dedication

    It complained that instead of giving cooperation to the private organisations, “the Navy is busy, maligning, mudslinging and fabricating stories to impugn their reputation. 

    The group added: “It smells a rat where there is none. It has never given the security companies a breathing space, most especially Tantita.

    “The Navy is either sabotaging their work to criminalise them, give them a bad name, or it directly engaging or aiding thieves to siphon crude.

    “On this note, we ask that an unassailable panel like the one headed by Obaze is constituted to probe the Navy over the many allegations against it. There is no smoke without fire. 

    “The Chief Naval of Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla should be relieved of his duty to prevent interference with the investigation.”

  • Navy decorates 29 Rear Admirals, urges dedication

    Navy decorates 29 Rear Admirals, urges dedication

    The Nigerian Navy yesterday decorated 29 newly promoted officers to the rank of Rear Admiral.

    It urged them to intensify more efforts to further secure the nation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Navy Board had, on December 22, approved the promotion of 29 Commodores to the rank of Rear Admiral and 28 Captains to the rank of Commodore.

    Among those decorated is the Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan.

    Also decorated with the new rank were Adefemi Kayode, Kabir Mohammed, Gabriel Aligwe, Aliyu Gaya, Shehu Gombe, Godfrey Kwetishe, Robert Obeya and Musa Katagum.

    Others are: Kehinde Odubanjo, Pakiribo Anabraba, Suleiman Ibrahim, Olugbenga Oladipo, Haruna Zego, Mohammed Dahiru, Nnamdi Ekwom, Stephen Ibrahim, Mohammed Muye, Aniefiok Uko, Anenechukwu Ezenma, Olufemi Adeleke, Etop Ebe, Sunday Yahaya, Umaru Faruk, Michael Igwe, Ikenna Ubanni, Emmanuel Anakwe, Omotola Olukoya.

    One of the officers, Joseph Ake, was promoted into retirement.

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the decoration of the senior officers marked a significant milestone in their career.

    He said it was a testament to their exceptional dedication, leadership and service to Nigeria.

    Matawalle advised them to understand the immense responsibility that comes with their promotion, especially with regard to ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.

    He reminded them that the nation relied on the navy to curtail the dynamic and ever-evolving maritime security threats.

    The minister praised the officers for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.

    “I encourage each and every one of you to embrace your new roles with humility, integrity, and a strong sense of duty.

    Read Also: Ize-Iyamu joins race in APC

    “Your promotion signifies a higher level of responsibility, and I have full confidence in your ability to lead with excellence.

    “As newly promoted Rear Admirals, you are entrusted with an even greater responsibility to serve our nation with unwavering commitment and excellence.

    “Therefore, your well-deserved promotion demonstrates the trust and confidence placed on you to tackle these challenges head-on.

    “I will also want to use this medium to assure you of the President’s, Commander-in-Chief’s commitment and dedication to supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian Navy as encapsulated in his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    The CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said the quality of leadership in the Nigerian Navy was essential for the optimal realisation of its objectives as expected in every performance-oriented organisation.

    Ogalla noted that despite the huge number of annual enlistments, only the most dedicated and loyal officers would rise to the apex of the profession.

    This cadre of Flag Officers, according to him, will constitute the leadership of the navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

  • Navy promote 58 senior officers to new ranks

    Navy promote 58 senior officers to new ranks

    The Nigerian Navy Board has approved the promotions of 58 senior officers to various ranks in the Nigerian Navy.

    The board made the approval on Thursday December 21, according to a statement by Navy’s spokesperson, Commodore Ayo-Vaughan, on Friday, December 22.

    The statementvsaid that 28 Navy Captains were elevated to Commodore while 30 Commodores were promoted to the rank of Rear Admirals. 

    Those promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral are Commodores Adefemi Kayode, Kabir Mohammed, Gabriel Aligwe, Aliyu Gaya, Shehu Gombe, Godfrey Kwetishe, Robert Obeya, Musa Katagum, and Kehinde Odubanjo.

    Other are Pakiribo Anabraba, Suleiman Ibrahim, Olugbenga Oladipo, Haruna Zego, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, Mohammed Dahiru, Nnamdi Ekwom, Stephen Ibrahim, Mohammed Muye, Aniefiok Uko, Anenechukwu Ezenma, Olufemi Adeleke, Etop Ebe, Sunday Yahaya, Umaru Faruk, Michael Igwe, Ikenna Ubanni, Emmanuel Anakwe, Omotola Olukoya. Furthermore, Joseph Ake was promoted unto retirement.

    Read Also: Navy arrests 14 stowaways in Lagos

    Those promoted to the rank of Commodore, according to the statement, are Captains Innocent Udoudoh, Mohammed Umaru, Iliya Abdu Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Reginald Adoki, Abimbola Agunbiade, Christian Akokota, Chukwuma Azuike, Adegoke Ebo, Innocent Ejiofor, Tahir Ngada, Oluseyi Oladipo, Shehu Tasiu, Aliyu Umaru, Peter Yilme, Sikiru Abdulraheem, 

    Others are Tunde Abdulrahim, Emeka Chinaka, Effiom Ekpenyong, George Nwabunike, Akinrinsola Obisesan, Igbani Agwu, Babatunde Kuton, Ahmad Madawaki, Momoh Salihu, Additionally, Captains Hassan Dogara, Olajide Babalola and Suleiman Idris were promoted unto retirement.

    The statement said the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has charge the newly promoted officers to “rededicate themselves to the service of fatherland and remain loyal to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

  • OPM Founder bags Navy Ship Golden ICON Award

    OPM Founder bags Navy Ship Golden ICON Award

    The Founder and General Overseer(GO), of Omega Power Ministries (OPM)  in Rivers State, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere had been conferred with “Golden ICON Medal award by the Nigeria Navy ship, Sagbama, Rivers State.

     The award was in recognition of his contributions to ‘quality social crusade’.

     The Commander, Sagbama Navy Ship, EL Ebute, who conferred the award on Apostle Chinyere in Port Harcourt  said, the clergy’s humanitarian activuties, compassion and kind gestures have helped in creating communities of caring people, builds apostles of social justice, promotes peace and tranquility and service to humanity.

     The philantropist was decorated at the brief event with gold medal and certificate of recognition.

     In his reaction, Apostle Chinyere said the award was encouraging and would spur him to do more. He   thank the Nigerian Navy Ship for the recognition and encouragement.

     The general overseer has over the years touched many lives positively  through his foundation, Omega Power Foundation.

     Through his free school initiatives, many out-of-school children have been brought back to school. The free specialist hospital has contributed greatly in reducing  high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

     His free estates have accommodated many homeless  families. His free skills acquisition center has graduated over 40,000 Nigerians in different vocational skills.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

     Over 10,000 Nigerians have benefitted from his local and international scholarship scheme.  Some of the beneficiaries are currently studying in Cyprus, United States of  America, Canada, Turkey, Poland, London and Benin Republic.

     Apostle Chinyere also built the first Free school for children born with Autism and Downsyndrome in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

     Apparently, the Apostle’s prompt  interventions to some violent cases has helped to calm tension, redtore  peace and security in Rivers State.

     Chinyere is a strong ally of the state government and the police in the fight agsinst insecurity, crimes and criminalitie to ensure  peaceful and conducive  environment for residents and  investors businesses.

  • Reps to probe causes of clashes between Navy, Tantita security

    Reps to probe causes of clashes between Navy, Tantita security

    The House of Representatives yesterday ordered an immediate investigation into the causes of constant conflict between the Nigeria Navy and private security outfits engaged by the NNPC Limited to protect oil installations in the Niger Delta. 

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo, the House said there is the need to immediately curb the conflict if the country is to meet its oil production benchmark on which the 2024 budget estimate is based. 

    The committee to conduct the investigation is headed by Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who is also the chairman upstream, while the chairmen downstream, midstream, funding, gas resources, ports and harbours, Niger Delta, environment are all members of the House Special Committee on Oil Theft. 

    Leading debate on the motion, Ojogo said if the causes of the constant conflict were not addressed, the possibility of increasing oil production to fund the 2024 budget would be almost non-existent. 

    He acknowledged that the Nigerian Navy, by law, is a statutory national security agency and an arm of the three Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria established with the sole purpose of protecting Nigeria’s maritime integrity and territorial waters.

    He said: “This sole responsibility of the Navy covers the protection of Nigeria’s national assets, including the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure across the water belts of the country covering inland, onshore and offshore waters.”

    He said the Navy has a history of commendable exploits within and outside Nigeria while on operations, making the country proud.

    He disclosed that in its bid to take full advantage of human potentials across the Niger Delta, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), then as Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in August 2022, firmed out intricate aspects of securing the nation’s oil and gas assets to some private security firms with deep knowledge of the areas in question.

    According to him, this was done to protect such assets from vandals in order to stem oil theft, enhance productivity and ultimately engender higher production output to grow the nation’s economy through increased revenue.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    Ojogo said such arrangements had recorded some positive results with regards to production output, even as the 2024 budget estimates presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alluded to high expectations of further increase in output by benchmarking same at 1.7m BPD.

    He said these high expectations that could only have been on the strength of an efficient, effective and robust collaboration and synergy of both the statutory security outfit, in this case, the Nigerian Navy, and custodians of delegated duties (private security firms) appear to be threatened by an unhealthy rivalry and incessant conflicts of operational responsibilities.

    He stressed that these cases of unchecked open conflicts and altercations have almost reached an embarrassing level of media brickbats between the Navy and some private security firms with such assigned responsibilities.

    He expressed concern that “just last week, there was a reported case of exchange of gunfire between men of the Nigerian Navy and operatives of a private security outfit on the coastal waters of Ondo State, and parties involved adduced or advanced reasons for their actions and inactions with accusations and counter accusations.

    “If this trend continues, an unachievable oil output projection looms ahead of the 2024 Fiscal Year and the implications of such development on the economy will be negative.”

  • Navy arrests 14 stowaways in Lagos

    Navy arrests 14 stowaways in Lagos

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has intercepted 14 stowaways onboard a motor tanker UOG Constantine at Lagos Road Stead.

    The Commander, NNS Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander of Operation Awatse, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, made this known in a statement signed by the Base Information Officer, NNS Beecroft, Sub-Lieutenant H. A. Collins.

    According to the statement, the suspects are: Osas Nusakare (45, Edo State); Okechi Chika (44, Abia State); Stephen Mmuta (35, Imo State); Ibrahim Hassan (30, Adamawa); Ebuka Onura (22, Enugu State); Emmanuel Godbless (30, Delta State); Ayefuwe Collins (27, Delta State) Victor Egoma (35, Edo State) and Alfred Ese (32, Delta State).

    Others include Abbubakar Ibrahim (20, Zamfara State); Godspower Moses (21, Cross River State); Aki Opeoluwa (33, Ogun State); Okonkwo Gift (25, Enugu State) and Oluwa Tosin Sunday (40, Ondo State).

    Oguntuga said the stowaways were arrested on December 15, adding that two of them had previously been arrested for a similar offence a month ago.

    Read Also: Two arrested for alleged manufacturing of fake drinks in Lagos

    “In a proactive and resolute demonstration to sustain maritime security, the patrol team of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT successfully intercepted and extracted 14 stowaways from MOTOR TANKER UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead on Friday, 15 December 2023.

    The timely action was prompted by intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. Tactical teams swiftly boarded the vessel and discovered movements within the rudder compartment.

    Two of the apprehended stowaways had previously been arrested for a similar offence just a month ago, emphasising the persistence of such illicit activities.

    The brave efforts of the patrol team averted life-threatening conditions for the individuals confined in the vessel’s compartment, emphasising the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime safety.

    The arrested stowaways were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.

    The incident underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional role under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity,” the statement said.

  • Navy arrests 14 suspects, impound vessel over illegal fishing in A’Ibom

    Navy arrests 14 suspects, impound vessel over illegal fishing in A’Ibom

    Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ibaka in Mbo local government area has arrested 14 suspects and impounded a vessel for illegal fishing in the state.

    Capt. Uche Aneke, the commanding officer of the base, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, December 20, while handing over four Ghanaians and 10 Nigerian suspects and their vessel to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Calabar, Cross River.

    He noted that the suspects were arrested within 5 nautical miles in Calabar Channel on Monday, November 27, for engaging in illegal trawling activities.

    He added that the vessel was seized within the Calabar channel, where they were actively engaged in illegal trawling within the channel, which is prohibited by the fishing laws.

    Read Also: Security on Delta waterways attributed to Navy’s efforts

    Aneke stated: “Sequel to the interception and arrest of the fishing trawler MFT LAMU 1, with registration number LA799, on Monday, Nov. 27th, for illegal trawling.

    According to him, the arrest of MFT LAMU 1 took place on Monday, by 3: 45p.m within the Calabar channel, where the vessel was actively engaged in illegal trawling activities within the Calabar channel.

    Aneke explained that the suspects were duly informed not to disembark from the vessel while armed sentries were assigned onboard for security.

    He said: “This incident came to light after a report from the Eastern Regional Control Center (ERCC), Calabar on Monday, Nov. 27th, indicating that MFT LAMU 1 had been involved in illegal fishing activities within 5 nautical miles offshore the Calabar channel, within FOB Ibaka’s Area of Operation.”

    He said that FOB under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility (AOR), remained committed to upholding Nigeria’s maritime laws and ensuring the sustainability of our coastal waters for national development, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strategic directives.

    Receiving the suspects, Mrs Stella Auforo, fisheries officer at the federal department of fisheries and aquaculture in Calabar, thanked the Nigerian Navy for securing the maritime waters.

    She said the department would further investigate the suspects and take appropriate actions.

    She said: “The federal Department of Fisheries will take further action in line with provisions of the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) on Arrest Detention and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment, 2016.”

  • Impersonation, forgery: Navy hands over ‘personnel’, two others for prosecution

    Impersonation, forgery: Navy hands over ‘personnel’, two others for prosecution

    Nigerian Navy has paraded a man in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for alleged impersonation of its officers and illegal oil bunkering.

    Also paraded were two other accomplices in the illegal business.

    The suspects, identified as William Chinedu Nwaele, Olome Happy and Lucky Opuama, were reportedly arrested in a vessel conveying illegal crude oil.

    They have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. 

    Briefing reporters during the parade, the Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, said the suspects were facilitating a fake oil approval for a vessel, MV Mother Gabrini.

    Igbo said the suspects were arrested on November 8 at FOB Bonny. 

    He said: “In pursuance of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strategic directive, NNS Pathfinder has sustained its efforts at curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. 

    Read Also: NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

    “The sustained effort of the Base has denied the criminals freedom of action. As a result, these criminals involved in this economic sabotage have resorted to new tactics of issuing forged documents to facilitate illegal bunkering.

    “These three suspects before you were trailed and arrested at locations for facilitating a fake oil approval for MV MOTHER GABRINI. They were apprehended after one-week sustained intelligence-led operation.

    “During preliminary investigation, the crew presented a fake NNS Pathfinder oil approval; accordingly, the Base sprang into action to apprehend the persons involved in forging of the Base oil approval. 

    “It is pertinent to state that one of the suspects, Mr. Williams Nweale, is also an impostor. He impersonated a naval personnel to conduct illegal escort and security at events within Rivers State. Two camouflage uniforms and other military uniform items were recovered from his home.”

    The commander warned oil thieves and other criminals in Rivers State to desist, as the Base would ensure that they were arrested and brought to justice.

    “The Base wants to appreciate the good people of Rivers State for supporting its operation. We therefore request you continue to support us through provision of information about the activities of criminals.”

    Receiving the suspects, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rumuolumeni Police Division in Obio-Akpor Local Government, CSP Olufunke Opayomi, hailed the Navy and Commodore Igbo for the synergy.

    She said the suspects would be arraigned after investigation.