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Tag: Navy

  • Navy seizes 125 bags of cannabis from Benin Republic

    Navy seizes 125 bags of cannabis from Benin Republic

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, on Tuesday, handed over seized 125 bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 5,000kg to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The Commander of the ship, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said at the handing over ceremony that the substance was intercepted in a large wooden boat on Dec. 7, off Lagos anchorage.

    Oguntuga said that NNS BEECROFT patrol team seized the substance and apprehended  two suspects accompanying it.

    “The consignment was coming from Republic of Benin, but our men were able to intercept the boat and stop it from entering  Lagos market.

    “The suspects and the bags of cannabis are being handed over to the NDLEA for necessary actions.

    “I recall that on Nov. 29, over 182 bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing about 8,000kg were handed over to the NDLEA, and now, we are handing over 125 bags,” he said.

    The commander said that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, would  sustain partnerships with relevant security agencies in the fight against criminality.

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    “We understand the relationship between drug abuse, crime, violence and criminality; so, what we are doing is to make sure that these drugs don’t enter our society.  By so doing, we will uphold national security.

    “The Nigerian Navy will continue to go after perpetrators of this crime and ensure that they are brought to book, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

    Oguntuga said that the Nigerian Navy activated Operation Waterguard with air assets, surface vessels, such as electrooptical devices, among other equipment.

    “With all this being deployed, I am optimistic that the navy will not leave any stone unturned.

    “This period is a period where a lot of criminal activities are expected, but security agencies and the Nigerian Navy in particular, are on top of their games,” he said.

    Oguntuga assured the public that maritime security during Christmas would be strong.

    “We have  many vessels out there protecting the waterways to make sure that the maritime environmental is conducive for legitimate businesses to thrive.

    “I assure you that you will go about your normal duties without any fear of being molested or fear of being harassed because our men are out there and they are motivated.

    “We will continue to liaise  with other agencies to make sure that this Yuletide period is a befitting one,” the commander said. (NAN) 

  • Navy hands over impounded oil-laden vessels to EFCC

    Navy hands over impounded oil-laden vessels to EFCC

    The Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has handed over two oil-laden vessels arrested along the creeks of Delta State to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, handed over the vessels, TUG MV STEPH I and Barge SIMI, to officials of the anti-graft agency led by Gomina Francis, an Assistant Commander II in the Benin Zonal Command, for investigation and further necessary action.

    Yahaya, represented by the Base Operations Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Commander Samuel Musa, said the vessels were arrested at different times on July 6, at KFT Yard Edjeba and at Workson Jetty Edjeba, both on the NPA Expressway in Warri South Local Government Area.

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    According to Yahaya, TUG MV STEPH I was impounded while discharging product suspected to be diesel into some rubber tanks without necessary documentations and approvals.

    “Thus, the vessel was detained and taken to NNS DELTA. Accordingly, TUG MV STEPH 1 is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action. Barge SIMI, laden with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be diesel also, was impounded for lacking ‘necessary documentations and approvals’.

    “Preliminary investigation showed that the product was an accumulation of remnants onboard (ROB) from various vessels,” Yahaya added.

  • Navy hands over arrested oil-laden vessels to EFCC in Delta

    Navy hands over arrested oil-laden vessels to EFCC in Delta

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has handed over two oil-laden vessels arrested along the creeks of Delta to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, handed over the vessels, TUG MV STEPH I and Barge SIMI, to officials of the anti-graft agency led by Gomina Francis, an Assistant Commander II, EFCC Benin Zonal Command for detailed investigation and further necessary action.

    Briefing reporters, Yahaya who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Commander Samuel Musa, disclosed that the vessels were separately da arrested on Tuesday, July 6, 2023, at KFT Yard Edjeba and at Workson Jetty Edjeba, both along NPA Expressway in Warri South council area of the State.

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    TUG MV STEPH I, the navy stated, was held while “discharging product suspected to be AGO into some rubber tanks without necessary documentations and approvals.

    “Thus, the vessel was detained and taken to NNS DELTA. Accordingly, TUG MV STEPH 1 is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action”.

    While Barge SIMI, laden with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be AGO, was arrested for being “without necessary documentations and approvals”.

    According to the Navy, “preliminary investigation revealed that the product was an accumulation of remnants onboard (ROB) from various vessels”.

    The Navy, while noting that the NNS-Delta remained poised to rid its area of illegal activities, declared that the arrests should serve as warnings to those that intend to conduct same business.

  • Navy rescues Cameroonian vessel one month after drifting

    Navy rescues Cameroonian vessel one month after drifting

    The Navy said it has rescued a Cameroonian-flagged motor fishing vessel AFKI (MFV AFK) after moving slowly on the water for one month. 

    The Navy said NNS Dorina on November 1 received a distress call that the vessel needed assistance but rescued the vessel on November 17.

     Navy’s spokesperson, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

    He said the fishing vessel had drifted off her course for four weeks before its eventual rescue in Nigeria waters.

    Ayo-Vaughan said the vessel while in transit suffered depleted fuel to her propulsion engines which resulted in her drifting off the coast of Sao Tome and Principe into Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

    He said:  “On  November 1, 2023, the Nigerian Navy received distress information requesting assistance for the rescue of a Cameroonian – Flagged Motor Fishing Vessel AFKI (MFV AFKI) with registration number UK12 and IMO number

    AFKI 8432780. The Fishing Vessel reportedly had drifted off her course for four weeks.

    “According to available information from a Note Verbale issued by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the incident occurred on October 24, 2023, when MFV AFKI was en route from Bangul in Gambia to the Congo Kinshasa for delivery of the vessel. While in transit, the vessel suffered depleted fuel to her propulsion engines which resulted in her drifting off the coast of Sao Tome and Principe into Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

    ” Unfortunately, all efforts by the vessel owners to trace its location for possible rescue proved abortive. However, further surveillance revealed that the last known location of the vessel was about 72 nautical miles from the Nigerian coast.

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    “Consequently, the NN swiftly deployed NNS DORINA the Maritime Domain Awareness facilities for Search and Rescue Operation. Accordingly, on  November 17, 2023, at about 2000 hours, after frantic surveillance by the deployed NN platform, NNS DORINA traced and made contact with the vessel 17 nautical miles off Pennington terminal. “

    The Navy’s spokesperson said after rescuing the vessel the Navy found two foreign crew members.

    He said after a painstaking investigation,  the Navy found out that the vessel had no incriminating items onboard. 

    Ayo-Vaughan added that, “Upon rescuing of the vessel, two foreign crew members were confirmed onboard. Pertinently, due diligence was made by NNS DORINA Boarding Party to ascertain the status of the vessel and her involvement in any untoward activities.  It was however discovered that the vessel actually had no incriminating items onboard.

    “Thereafter NNS DORINA towed MFV AFKI with the assistance of NNS IKENNE to Escravos, Delta State where NN Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS took custody of the Fishing Vessel for further administrative procedures in preparation to hand over the vessel to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. MFV AFKI had thus been adrift for almost One month before the NN rescued her.”

  • Navy destroys 5,000 barrels of crude, 10,777 litres of illegally refined AGO

    Navy destroys 5,000 barrels of crude, 10,777 litres of illegally refined AGO

    Nigerian Navy says it has intercepted and destroyed 15,775 litres of crude oil/ illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from illegal bunkering and oil thieves in Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State.

    It said crude oil worth about N13billion was intercepted by the anti-crude oil theft patrol team of the Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, Ondo State.

    Executive Officer of the Base, Commander, Humphrey Nnaji, who spoke on behalf of the Commanding Officer, Captain Wasuku Alushi, said the task force in its bid to sustain the fight against illegal bunkering, tracked and intercepted a wooden boat popularly called cotonou boat laden with crude oil.

    Read Also:Navy destroys 15,775 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo

    Captain Alushi said the suspected crude oil thieves abandoned the boat and fled.

    “FOB Igbokoda is operationally responsible to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command under the leadership of Rear Admiral MB Hassan.

    “So far, within six weeks of the CO’s assumption of command, the Base has made great strides in the arrest and destruction of illegally refined products, all in accordance with OPDS directive/mandate.”

  • Navy destroys 15,775 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo

    Navy destroys 15,775 litres of stolen crude oil in Ondo

    The Nigeria Navy said it has intercepted and destroyed 15,775 litres of crude oil/ illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil from illegal bunkering and oil thieves in Ilaje Local government area.

    It the destroyed crude oil worth about N13bn naira was intercepted by its Anti Crude Oil Theft patrol team of the  Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda, Ondo State.

    Executive Officer of the Base, Commander Humphrey Nnaji, who spoke on behalf of Commanding Officer, Captain Wasuku Alushi, said the Task Force in its bid to sustain the fight against illegal bunkering, tracked and intercepted a  wooden boat popularly referred to as cotonou boat laden with crude oil.

    Captain Alushi said the suspected crude oil thieves abandoned the boat and fled.

    “FOB Igbokoda is operationally responsible to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command under the leadership of Rear Admiral MB Hassan.

    “So far, within 6 weeks of the CO’s assumption of command, the Base has made great strides in the arrest and destruction of illegally refined products all in  accordance with OPDS directive/mandate.

    “On 13 October 23, 2023, a wooden boat laden with about 2000 litres of suspected illegally refined crude products was intercepted and destroyed at Awoye.

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    ” In another operation on 18 Oct 23, based on credible intelligence, the Base discovered an illegal storage site with approximately 5000 litres of illegal POL products at Ugbo-Nla, which was destroyed in accordance with OPDS directives.

    ” In furtherance of the Base operations against COT, on 27 Oct 23, the Base stormed an IRS at Obe- Akinboye in Obenla community which was observed to be under reactivation for illegal refining of illegally refined AGO which was also destroyed in accordance with the mandate.

    “On 30 Oct, the Base also discovered a storage facility for illegal refined products at old market road Igbokoda with 11 x 25 litres containers of illegally refined products totalling 275 litres.

    “Most recently, On 14 Nov 23, an illegal storage site at Mahin was discovered with 96 drums of 30 litres jerrican and 3 x 300 litres drums of illegally refined POL products approximately 3500 litres concealed in a storage facility.

    “All discovered and destroyed illegal POL products totalling approximately 15,775 litres and valued at around #13,251,000 naira at current pump price.”

  • Navy intercepts four stowaways aboard UAE-bound vessel in Lagos

    Navy intercepts four stowaways aboard UAE-bound vessel in Lagos

    • By Halimah Balogun

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted four suspected stowaways from a container Vessel, MV TEME EXPRESS, en route Dubai.

    A statement issued by the Base Information Officer, Sub Lieutenant Hapinness Collins, said the stowaways were apprehended onboard the vessel on Monday during a routine patrol of Navy Ship BEECROFT.

    She said the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, played a critical role in providing information that led to their arrest.

    The stowaways are identified as: Ebi Agrive, 22 years old from Bayelsa State; Lucky Amusu, 23 years old from Lagos State; Goodness Edu, 28 years old from Akwa Ibom State and Micheal Daniel, 18 years old from Ondo State.

    She said the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in accordance with the established protocols and for further investigation.

    “Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team while on routine patrol successfully extracted and apprehended some individuals on November 13, 2023 onboard Container Vessel TEME EXPRESS which was en route Dubai.

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    “According to the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, tactical teams were dispatched to the vessel at Lagos Anchorage, sequel to receiving information from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. Upon arrival, the teams noticed movements inside the rudder compartment.

    “Consequently, the teams boarded the ship located and extracted the four stowaways. The stowaways were found with a bag filled with snacks and another polybag containing sachet water.

    “The commander further stated that apart from the stowaways putting themselves in life threatening situations during the long voyage at sea especially as they remain in a confined space for extended duration, the stowaways also present myriad of security threats to the crew with dire consequences on the image of the nation”, the statement said.

  • Navy deploys 10 warships, helicopters to battle crude oil thieves

    Navy deploys 10 warships, helicopters to battle crude oil thieves

    The Nigerian Navy yesterday deployed 10 warships, two attack helicopters and 500 ballistic boats in a special amphibious exercise to curb crude oil theft and sea robbery on Nigeria’s waters.

    Rear Adm. Umar Chugali, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), headquartered in Bayelsa State, launched the exercise code-named “Exercise Sea Guardian”, in a short ceremony in Onne, Rivers State.

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    He said the joint military exercise conducted by both the Navy’s CNC and Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Calabar, was launched to reduce insecurity to its barest on the nation’s territorial waters.

    “So, this joint exercise covering both the defence and the policy roles of the navy consists of 10 ships, two helicopters and over 500 boats for four-days at sea.”

  • Navy intercepts 11 stowaways aboard Ghana-bound ship

    Navy intercepts 11 stowaways aboard Ghana-bound ship

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team has intercepted 11 stowaways aboard GWANGZHOU HIGHWAY PANAMA ship en route to Ghana.

    According to a statement made available by the Base Information Officer of NNS BEECROFT, H. A. Collins, the people were intercepted on Tuesday at about 7pm during a routine patrol of Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team.

    He said the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage, adding that the stowaways have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

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    “Initially, four stowaways were apprehended from the stern of the vessel. However, information provided by these individuals revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship. Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing seven more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody.

    The apprehended individuals are identified as: Shedrack David, 19yrs, from Ondo State, Emmanuel Godbless, 30yrs, from Delta State, Ibrahim Hassan, 30yrs from Adamawa State, Solomon Francis, 21yrs, from Ondo State, Bolaji Johnson, 28yrs, from Ondo State, Samsom Aimy, 37yrs, from Bayelsa State, Ayefuwei Collins, 27yrs, from Delta State, Ayo Gula, 28, from Delta State, Jolomi Daniel, 23yrs, from Ondo State, Abubakar Ibrahim, 19yrs, from Zamfara State and Precious Uwalogho, 30yrs, from Delta State.

    They have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols”, the statement said.

  • Navy Town gets gas plant, bakery

    Navy Town gets gas plant, bakery

    • By Halimah Balogun

    Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has inaugurated Admiralty/Shafa Gas Plant, mall and bakery in Navy Town, Ojo.

    He also commissioned the Admiralty Mall/Bakery in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.

    Speaking at the event, the CNS disclosed that the Admiralty/ Shafa Gas Plant is a joint venture between Admiralty Exchange Limited, a subsidiary of Navy Holdings Ltd, and AYM Ashafa Holding Ltd, a reputable indigenous company in the oil and gas industry.

    The Navy boss who was represented by the Group Managing Director Naval Holding Limited, Rear Admiral HUF Kaoje, emphasized that the gas plant is a significant project within the Nigerian Navy’s vision to enhance the welfare of its personnel and effectively utilize available resources adding that the location of the plant in Navy Town was strategically chosen due to the number of personnel and other residents in the barracks.

    According to him, this initiative will not only prioritize the welfare of Navy personnel but also contribute to employment generation and expand the commercial assets of Admiralty Exchange Limited.

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    “The LPG is a basic merchandise used​ by NN personnel in the barracks for cooking and domestic usage. However, recently, there have been several incidents of domestic gas caused by adulterated LPG gas due to increase cost of product. In order to enhance of NN personnel, this particular place which was mechanic village was decided to be used to make this plant available. The newly constructed LPG plant will enable the NN personnel to procure unadulterated and affordable gas without need to leave the barracks”, he said. 

    He commended the developers for adhering to the highest safety standards, diligence, ethical compliance, and corporate responsibility throughout the construction process while urging the management of the Admiralty/Shafa Gas Plant to fully optimize the facility to enhance the living standards of Navy personnel in the barracks and surrounding areas.

    He further appealed for similar gas plants to be replicated in other Nigerian Navy barracks.

    The representative AYM Shafa Holdings Limited, Alhaji Musa Yahaya, commended the efforts of the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, and his team for laying the foundation of the Gas Plant in January. He expressed gratitude towards the “visionary” leadership provided by Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla in Admiralty Exchange Limited, ensuring the seamless progress of the project.

    He expressed hope that similar projects would be initiated in Naval locations nationwide.

    The Chairman of Ori Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ramotalai Akinlola-Hassan, expressed her joy about the project. She noted that it had always been challenging to purchase cooking gas for domestic use in their area. She commended the Nigerian Navy and AYM Shafa Holdings Limited for bringing this “milestone” project to their domain.