The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Navy

  • Navy in Delta hands over vessel, nine crew members to EFCC

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, on Monday in Warri, handed over a vessel laden with 524 metric tonnes of suspected petroleum products without valid approval, to the EFCC.

    The Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, said nine crew members on board the vessel christened “MV SKYE,’’ were also arrested for various crimes, including economic crimes.

    Dewu said the vessel was laden with products suspected to be crude oil and Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).

    He said the suspects were arrested at the Escravos bay in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state this month.

    The naval boss explained that the vessel was earlier apprehended by the Joint Task Force (Operation Delta Safe) in 2014 and handed over to the anti-graft agency for prosecution.

    “However, the vessel was released on bond by a court in Port Harcourt with about 388 metric tonnes of crude oil on board.

    “The bond was to enable the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to sell the product and return the money into the Federal Government’s coffers.

    “This same vessel was, however, re-arrested and the captain, Ifeoluwa Jerome said it had 505 metric tonnes of product on board.

    “While investigating, we realised that the vessel had 524 metric tonnes of products and not 505 in seven of the 12 compartments,” he said.

    Read Also: EFCC recovers N106.5b, others in eight months

    Dewu said the crew had told him that they were supposed to be heading to the high sea through Brass in Bayelsa to Port Harcourt to dispose the product after the court case.

    “We found them off Escravos and they claim to be having machinery problem which led them to Escravos.

    “Secondly, this vessel was released on bond with about 388 metric tonnes of products by the court only for us to find 524 metric tonnes.

    “ Part of it is AGO instead of crude oil that was released by the court.

    “Part of the problems the Navy faces is that vessels hide under bond to commit illegal activities,” he said.

    The commander further said the navy had concluded its investigation, adding that the product on board had no valid approval.

    Mr Richard Ogberagha, EFCC’s Detective Superintendent who spoke on behalf of the agency, said justice would be done to the matter.

    “Officials of the DPR are already on ground taking samples; so we have started investigation already,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the captain of the vessel, Jerome, however, has denied the claims by the navy, insisting that he had not committed any crime.

  • Navy inaugurates 16 boats

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday added 16 new boats, including two 110 MKII Fast Patrol Crafts (FPC), NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU to its fleet.

    Also inducted were four 72MKII Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC)- NNS GONGOLA, NNS OSE, NNS CALABAR, and NNS SHIRORO- and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

    The boats, the Navy said, would be deployed to protect critical oil installations in the Niger Delta as well as for joint operations, patrols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Zone E.

    The Nation reports that the two 110 MKII FPC, NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU are named after towns in Yobe and Rivers states and manned by Commanders Emmanuel Fingesi and Andrew Zidon.

    Built by the Ocean crew in France, the River Town Class FPCs have an overall length of 35m, with a water line length of 29.80m, overall beam of 7.10m, maximum draft of 1.80m and midship moulded depth of 3.50m. Their operation profile includes a cruising speed of 12knots, maximum speed of 35knots and crew of 36, including nine commissioned officers.

    The latest additions had increased the navy’s platforms acquisition in the last two years to over 200, said the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.

    Noting that the NN has the task of safeguarding the country’s maritime interests, Ibas said the service, in keeping with the realities, conducted frequent re-invention.

    He said: “The acquisition of the six new OCEA FPC and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS) will narrow the capability gaps in enhancing security of the nation’s maritime expanse.”

    “Their inauguration and induction into service is, therefore, another operational milestone for the NN as they will complement existing Maritime Domain Awareness Capability in the face of its inherent need for a potent interdiction capability.

    “I must, however, be quick to observe that despite this commendable stride, we have barely scratched the outstanding deficit in the NN fleet. Capacity building, therefore, is a running priority of the NN. The NN continues to apply its double pronged approach of platform sourcing from both foreign shipyards and local manufacturing.”

    Also at the event were Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, Inspector-General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Abdulsamad Dasuki, Director-General Nigerian Ports Authority  (NPA) Hadiza Bala-Usman, heads of military, paramilitary institutions in Lagos as well as captains of industries.

    Dan-Ali said the nation was challenged by multi-faceted threats from continental and maritime fronts, with grave manifestations and increasing threats to maritime security.

    He said crimes, such as piracy, sea robbery and attack on strategic oil installations had complicated the nation’s maritime security environment and threatened with dire consequences, the overall well-being of the nation.

  • Navy shuts down 150 illegal refineries

    …seizes imported rice worth N220m

     

    The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar has shut down over 150 illegal refineries through swamp buggy operations in its area of responsibility, which includes Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers State, in the last seven months.

    Outgone Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Command, Rear Admiral, Mathew Emuekpere, who made this known while handing over to his successor, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, in Calabar on Tuesday also said within the period through their anti-smuggling operations, the Command had seized 13, 803 bags of imported rice valued at the sum of over N220 million at N16, 000 per bag among several other contrabands.

    He said with the reduction of smuggling activities, the Command has been able to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts in revamping the economy and enhancing the activities of local farmers.

    Emuekpere, said during this time, which he served as the FOC, having taken over the Command in January this year, over 90 suspects have been arrested with their vessels and barges for various martime crimes.

    He thanked Navy personnel and other sister security agenies and paramilitary organziations and civilans that contributed to the successes recorded during his stay as the FOC of the Command and urged that the same support be extended to his successor.

    Read Also:Navy seizes 1.2m litres diesel, arrest six suspected smugglers

    He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas, for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command in the past seven months.

    The new FOC, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, promised to complete all ongoing projects in the Command.

    He warned that any form of collusion or abetting illegalities would not be tolerated.

    He urged all Navy personnel to support him and promised to work with other security agencies to check criminality.

    “Our purpose is to fight all forms of illegalities and ensure that our maritime environment is safe for legal business. We cannot do it alone but would collaborate with other security agencies. We also urge our host communities to help us succeed, so we can also assist them in any way we can. We would work with all stakeholders for the benefit of all. We encourage those involved in illegalities to change and work for a better Nigeria,” the new FOC said.

  • Navy to court martial three over theft at Tompolo’s ‘property’

    The Navy has constituted a court martial to try three of its men for allegedly involved in vandalism and theft of equipment from one of the property confiscated from former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), in Warri, Delta State.

    The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) for Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Saleh Usman, broke the news yesterday at the end of a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta base in Warri.

    The FOC said the Navy had concluded its investigation into the matter.

    He assured the people that the suspects would face justice, adding that there is no need for fears that the force might give undue protection to the suspects.

    Usman noted that if they are found guilty, they will be dismissed and handed over to the police for further civil prosecution.

    He added: “The facility was seized by the Federal Government and the Navy has been taking care of the place. We deployed officers and men to the place. We also informed the police in the general area to put an eye on it.

    “Some people were caught. Those who are our personnel are already undergoing court martial. The civilians have been handed over to appropriate authority.

    “We all know that there is no institution without bad eggs. To ensure the image of the Navy is not soiled, we have constituted a martial committee to try the suspects. They are currently in detention. So, if after their trial and they are found guilty, we will dismiss and hand them over to the police for prosecution.

    “In the next two weeks, the court martial will start sitting and the outcome of the trial will be made public; that, I can assure you. We will not cover anybody up. We have our integrity to protect.”

    Reviewing his tenure as the FOC for the Central Naval Command, Usman recalled it recorded some achievements, especially in the fight against oil theft and illegal oil refining.

    The FOC also said his leadership kept the area safe for maritime and other lawful activities.

    “The Central Naval Command Area of Responsibility is notorious for a lot of illegal activities such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and sea robbery.

    “The command, under my watch, confronted these illegalities through constant patrols of the waterways and creeks by the bases and ships. The efforts of units under my command have helped tremendously in curtailing the menace, including threats to oil platforms and installations.”

  • Dearth of teachers: Navy to recruit retired instructors

    Plans are under by the Nigeria Navy (NN) to recruit retired instructors to bridge the gap experienced at its training institutions.

    Former Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile stated this at his valedictory parade organised.

    Ofodile, who handed over to Rear Admiral Standford Enoch, said the NN had already organised interviews for some of the retired instructors in both officer and rating cadre.

    In his 14-month-tour of duty at NAVTRAC, Ofodile said dearth of instructors, inadequate teaching aids and models, paucity of funds, inadequate accommodation and vehicles, were among the challenges he faced, noting that the NN high command was already giving the issues priority attention.

    He said: “I assumed command as the FOC in June 2017. Within the last 14 months, my staff and I have worked diligently as a team, with a shared commitment to meet the training requirements of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Strategic Directive-2.

    “As we all know, NAVTRAC is saddled with meeting the professional manpower needs of the NN. Mindful of this role, the command identified key requirements to make its professional trainings meet current NN operational realities and needs.

    “Accordingly, some training packages were introduced into the curricula of our colleges and school to meet prevailing

  • Navy seizes 1.2m litres diesel, arrest six suspected smugglers

    The Nigerian Navy in Bonny, Rivers, says it seized about 1.22 million litres of adulterated diesel from six crewmen believed to be smugglers.

    The suspects, who were arrested along the state waterways, were alleged to have smuggled the petroleum products, worth about N350 million from Lagos.

    Cdr. Ibrahim Gwaska, the Acting Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Bonny, presented the eight suspected smugglers, vessel and diesel to journalists on Monday.

    “The arrest followed routine patrols of one of our capital ships, NNS Okpabana, deployed on sea to stem crude oil, illegal bunkering and other illicit activities within the maritime environment.

    “In the course of such patrols, NNS Okpabana intercepted, MV Princehood, over the vessel suspicious movement along the sea.

    Gwaska said that troops, after boarding the vessel, found out that the vessel was laden with 1.2 million litres of diesel, suspected to have been lifted from unapproved refining site.

    He said preliminary investigation was immediately launched and that it was found out that the vessel loaded the diesel in Lagos and headed to NSDC terminal off Bonny before its seizure.

    “The vessel was later arrested on the grounds that her destination was inconsistent with what was captured on her manifest.

    “Also arousing troop’s suspicion was the fact that the quantity of petroleum product on board the vessel was inconsistent from what was declared by captain of the vessel.

    “We later found out that what was earlier declared by captain of the vessel was at variance with what was got after calibration test was carried out,” he said.

    Gwaska handed over the six suspected smugglers and vessel to operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct further investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects in court.

    Read Also: Navy redeploys over 20 Rear Admirals

    The officer noted that the zero tolerance policy adopted by naval authorities had led to drastic reduction in oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illicit activities on the waterways.

    According to him, the navy has “upped its game” with new strategies and measures to deter criminals, especially as the ember months approaches.

    “The Nigerian Navy has stationed its capital ships on routine patrols at sea as well as set up lots of barriers on the hinterlands to discourage criminality.

    “We are not relenting in our commitment to rid the nation’s maritime environment of illicit activities, for legitimate social and economic activities to thrive.”

  • Navy redeploys over 20 Rear Admirals

    The Navy yesterday announced the redeployment and appointment of Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and Flag Officers Commanding (FOCs).

    The major shake-up affected over 20 Rear Admirals.

    The Director of Information (DINFO), Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Commodore Ayo Olugbode, said the appointments affected senior officers in charge of the Logistic Command, Western Navy Command and Eastern Navy Command, among others.

    He said in a statement that in the next two weeks, the officers are expected to move to their new commands.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Navy has announced the appointment of new Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and Flag Officers Commanding (FOCs).

    “They are Rear Admiral U.B. Onyia, for Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State; Rear Admiral D.A. Adeniran for Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, Cross River State; Rear Admiral O.H. Ngalabak for Western Naval Command, Lagos; Rear Admiral S.I. Enoch for Naval Training Command, Apapa, Lagos and Rear Admiral S.S. Garba, who is taking over at the Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    “Rear Admiral A.H. Yusuf is appointed as the Director of Medical Services, Rear Admiral S.A.G. Abbah is taking over as the Chief of Defence Administration at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral I.O. Mohammed is taking over as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Naval Headquarters and Rear Admiral P.A. Onaji is the Chief of Defence, Civil Military Cooperation, Defence Headquarters.

    “Others affected are Rear Admiral M.E. Ebe, who is now the Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral M.A. Emuekpere is appointed Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters and Rear Admiral T. Dick is taking over as the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna State.

    “Rear Admiral M.M. Kadiri is now the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral F.F. Ogu is taking over as the Navy Secretary, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral M.A. Eno is moving to the Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, Bonny Camp, Lagos as Admiral Superintendent, while Rear Admiral A.B. Adamu is appointed Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordnance Depot, Kirikiri, Lagos and Rear Admiral S.S. Lassa is appointed as the Director, Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Naval Headquarters.

    “Rear Admiral A. Akinrinade, formerly FOC Logistics Command, is now appointed the Director of Training at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral O.F. Ofodile, formerly FOC NAVTRAC, is now appointed Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters and Rear Admiral S.M.D. Usman is moving from FOC Central Naval Command to Defence Headquarters as Director of Defence Project Monitoring.

    “The appointments also include Rear Admiral S.A. Mohammed, who is appointed Managing Director, Navy Hotel and Suites Limited, Rear Admiral T.T. Dakwat as Director Development, Defence Headquarters, while Rear Admiral D.O. Kolawole is deployed to Defence Headquarters as Director Search and Rescue.”

  • Nigerian Navy Redeploys over 20 Rear Admirals, Appoints New FOCs

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Wednesday announced the redeployment and appointments of Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and Flag Officers Commanding (FOCs) in a major shake up that affected over 20 Rear Admirals.
    According to the Director of Information (DINFO) Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Commodore Ayo Olugbode, the appointments affected Senior Officers in charge of the Logistic Command, The Western Navy Command, and the Eastern Navy Command , among others.
    Commodore Olugbode explained in a stament that within the next two weeks the officers are expected to move to their new Commands.
    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Navy has announced the appointment of new Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and Flag Officers Commanding (FOCs).
    “They are Rear Admiral UB Onyia, for Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State, Rear Admiral DA Adeniran for Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, Cross River State, Rear Admiral OH Ngalabak for Western Naval Command, Lagos, Rear Admiral SI Enoch for Naval Training Command, Apapa, Lagos and Rear Admiral SS Garba who is taking over at the Central Naval Command, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
    “Furthermore, Rear Admiral AH Yusuf is appointed as the Director of Medical Services, Rear Admiral SAG Abbah is taking over as the Chief of Defence Administration at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral IO Mohammed is taking over as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral PA Onaji as Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation, Defence Headquarters.
    “Some others affected are Rear Admiral ME Ebe who is now the Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral MA Emuekpere is appointed Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters and Rear Admiral T Dick is taking over as the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna State.
    ” Rear Admiral MM Kadiri is now the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral FF Ogu is taking over as the Navy Secretary, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral MA Eno is moving to the Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, Bonny Camp, Lagos as Admiral Superintendent  while Rear Admiral AB Adamu is appointed Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordnance Depot, Kirikiri, Lagos and Rear Admiral SS Lassa is appointed as the Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Naval Headquarters.
    “Rear Admiral A Akinrinade formerly FOC Logistics Command is now appointed the Director of Training at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral OF Ofodile formerly FOC NAVTRAC is now appointed Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters and Rear Admiral SMD Usman who is moving from FOC Central Naval Command to Defence Headquarters as Director of Defence Project Monitoring.
    “The appointments also include Rear Admiral SA Mohammed who is appointed Managing Director, Navy Hotel and Suites Limited, Rear Admiral TT Dakwat as Director Development, Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral DO Kolawole is deployed to Defence Headquarters as Director Search and Rescue.”

  • Nigerian Navy preaches non-violence

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) Directorate of Chaplain Services of the Roman Catholic Church has called for non-violence in resolving issues in the country today.

    Speaking at the annual training seminar/conference of the Directorate in Calabar, the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mathew Emuekpere, said the theme of the conference The Gospel of Non-violence and Mutual Coexistence among the Present Nigerian People: The Chaplains’ Roles was apt to address the issues of disputes, struggles and rampant killings in some states in the country.

    Emuekpere urged the Directorate to use to develop workable techniques which will aid their sermon at the pulpit as clergymen in order to restore unity within the barracks and by extension across the nation.

    He said the Directorate was established to cater for the spiritual wellbeing of Navy personnel within and beyond the barrack, and that the conference is one of the exercises designed annually to keep the Chaplain personnel focused on the exigencies required by their duties at military and pastoral levels.

    Director of the Nigerian Navy Chaplain Services, Very Rev Fr Commander Robert Oparaji said the theme of the conference could not have come at a better time in the history of Nigeria’s existence as a country than now that the nation is contending with numerous challenges stretching from socio-political to ethno-religious.

    “With various parts of the country experiencing palpable mistrust, frictions and conflicts along religious, denominational, regional and ethnic lines. This misunderstanding emanating from our biodiversity is an issue that has taken the front burner in our national discourse and all hands must be on deck to ensure that our diversity is our greatest strength and not the other way round. As children of God it is our duty to pursue peace with all men.

    “The opportunity provided by this conference ought to appreciate the enormity of our roles as chaplains at propagating the gospel of non-violence and mutual co-existence amongst the people of Nigeria,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, who in his vision and mission, as well as his strategic guideline for a creditable performance has indeed promoted the religious activities of the Navy by sustaining the annual event.

    The Archbishop of the Calabar, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Joseph Ekuwem called for non-violence in the country even in the face of provocation.

    He said Jesus Christ taught his disciples love and to be merciful, hence we are called to repent, forgive and to give non-violent resistance to those who do evil.

    Ekuwem said non-violence does not mean surrendering to evil, but responding to evil with good.

    The clergyman sued for peace, as all are one despite different tribes, ethnicity or backgrounds.

  • Navy withdraws men from task force

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday withdrew its operatives deployed as part of the task force controlling truck and tanker drivers within Apapa and environs.

    The withdrawal, it was gathered, followed the assault of some naval operatives attached to Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT at Ijora-Badia on Monday by protesters.

    A car belonging to personnel and two other naval operational vehicles were also allegedly vandalised.

    The protesters accused the Navy and other security agencies of extortion and insisted that the Navy should withdraw its personnel from the roads.

    They alleged that the security operatives breached the initial agreement of passing the drivers with call cards, but were rather giving preferential treatment to some.

    But our correspondent learnt yesterday that the protesters were not happy with naval presence on the road because they were being restricted to a lane and made to turn back whenever they broke the rules.

    Although the attacked operatives and their colleagues had wanted to fight back, they were directed by their superiors not to retaliate and to return to the base in Apapa.

    Angered by the development, it was gathered that the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah and the Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Okon Eyo, directed the suspension of naval participation in the task force to avoid breakdown of law and order.

    It was learnt that the senior officers said they would not want a situation whereby NN personnel would be forced to react in self-defence, thereby escalating the issue.

    Spokesperson for the WNC, Chinwe Umar, a Commander, said the NN was unhappy with the assault of its personnel and damage to its vehicles.