Tag: Navy

The Nigerian Navy on Thursday said it operatives deactivated 71 Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) and seized over 400,000 litres of stolen crude oil last month.

It revealed this in a statement by the Director of Information (DINFO) Commodore Aiweyor Adams-Aliu, adding that the successes were recorded during anti-oil theft operations by troops of Operation Delta Sanity.

According to the Navy, the July operations led to the discovery and deactivation of 120 dugout pits and several illegal refinery camps spread across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states. 

“The coordinated raids resulted in the seizure of about 411,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 87,825 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 72,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” Adams-Aliu stated.

Giving a breakdown of the successes, he said on July 4, naval personnel uncovered and destroyed six illegal refinery sites around Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni communities in Rivers State.

These sites, he said, contained about 66,000 litres of crude oil and 40,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

“On July 12, another illegal refinery site with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil was deactivated in Otegele, Delta State. On July 14, three suspected smugglers were intercepted in Akwa Ibom State aboard a wooden boat loaded with about 2,500 litres of PMS, reportedly headed for Cameroon. 

“That same day, a major operation in Warri South West, Delta State, uncovered an underground reservoir and several pits holding over 7,000 litres of crude oil,” he said.

The following weeks saw sustained efforts by the Navy, with discoveries made almost daily in various communities. On July 22 and 23, two of the most significant operations took place in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. 

In one sweep, personnel deactivated two illegal refinery sites with about 200,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products. The next day, a follow-up operation led to the discovery of seven metal ovens, six storage pits, and a massive pond containing more than 250,000 litres of crude oil, said the DINFO.

Read Also: Navy to establish base in Kebbi

Similar discoveries were made in Obodo Omadino, Oteghele, and Christian Village areas of Delta State, where active and abandoned refinery sites were found with thousands of litres of crude oil and illegally refined products. In one instance, an active site containing 20,000 litres of crude oil stored in tanks and an underground reservoir was dismantled.

The Navy said its operations not only denied oil thieves access to hundreds of thousands of litres of petroleum products but also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s increasing crude oil production. It noted that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently confirmed that the country’s oil output had risen above 1.8 million barrels per day.

“These significant successes underscore the resilience of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to completely eradicate crude oil theft and contribute to improving Nigeria’s oil production,” Commodore Adams-Aliu stated.

The Nigeria Navy has concluded  arrangement to establish a Naval Base in Yauri, Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a delegation from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla unveiled the information during a courtesy visit on Gov. Nasir Idris at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

Leader of the delegation, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, said the visit was part of efforts to expand the maritime strategy of the Nigerian navy.
This, he said, in addition to its statutory area of responsibility in the maritime domain in the offshore sea and to support maritime security in the hinterland.

According to Nwatu, River Niger is a great national asset that has given Nigeria a lot of goodwill by supporting agriculture and power generation, which also remains a source of livelihood to the citizens.
“Unfortunately, with the insurgency and conflicts in Nigeria, that same River Niger, in spite of its good potentials, is being utilised by some criminal elements to escalate the level of insecurity in our country.
“We have noticed that River Niger has been a convergence of criminals and  route for smuggling of arms and other elements that are detrimental to our interests.

“So, in addition to the base we have in Niger on the side of the river, the Nigerian Navy found it necessary to expand to establish a base in Kebbi, so that we can have complete presence within the Niger area,” he said.

Read Also: Navy chief renews call for civil-military cooperation

The team leader expressed optimism that with the support of the governor and people of Kebbi, the move would pave the way for improved security architecture of the country, especially with regards to safety in the Northwest

In his remarks, Gov. Idris described the idea as a very good and holistic development in view of the security challenges bedeviling the Southern part of Kebbi.

He, however, appreciated God Almighty for His guidance and support that culminated into the successes being recorded against the bandits terrorising the area.
“We have never had a naval base in Kebbi, we are grateful, the Chief of the Naval Staff finds it worthy to establish a naval base in Yauri. You know, in Yauri we have River Niger which needs to be manned by heavy security architecture.

“Kebbi is very strategic, because we share borders with Niger and Benin Republics and with the incursion of Lakurawa, we feel we need additional security to man the River as we only have marine police and they are not many,” he noted.
The governor recalled that Benin Republic used to be one of the peaceful countries in Africa, “however, the country is also facing challenges of security, not to mention the Niger Republic, and Kebbi shares border with the two countries.”

He assured the delegation that the state government would do everything possible to create an enabling environment for them to operate.

The governor said that a temporary accommodation would be provided for the take-off, pending the construction of their permanent structure.

(NAN)

…renovates 80-year old school

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has reiterated the call for “support for the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) mandate of the Navy, as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Ogalla made the call at the inauguration of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project (CNS-QIP) in Agbor, Delta State, comprising the newly renovated Igue Primary School, Agbor-Obi, in Ika South council area of Delta State, Thursday.

The CNS, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Oluwole Otitoloju Fadeyi, emphasised the significance of CIMIC, as a key principle in “strengthening military-community relations.”

The newly inaugurated project comprises renovation of the primary school, its perimeter fencing, provision of borehole, a security gate house, among others.

According to the CNS, the renovation of the primary school built in 1945 “became imperative for a more conducive learning environment”.

Noting that the CNS-QIP was initiated to implement projects aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation efforts nationwide, he disclosed that the project was facilitated by Rear Admiral Emmanuel Nmoyem “as a way of giving back to his roots and improving the lives of people in the community”.

Read Also: Six dead, three missing in Navy boat mishap

“CIMIC includes activities and interactions between the military and civil society geared towards the accomplishment of military missions and strategic objectives.

“These projects serve not only to honour distinguished senior officers of the Nigerian Navy but also demonstrate the Navy’s broader commitment to serving Nigerians beyond its core mandate of securing lives and property in the maritime environment.

“These projects are avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honour its accomplished senior officers and an indication that beyond physically securing lives and properties, we are committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways. 

“Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project undertaken by an illustrious son of Agbor, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogboi Nmoyem is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperation annals,” he added.

On his part, Rear Admiral Nmoyem expressed gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff “for the invaluable opportunity to execute such a meaningful project in Agbor, Delta State”.

Nmoyem described it as “a testament to the CNS’s visionary leadership and commitment to community development, with the Igue community being a major beneficiary,” expressing hope that the project would significantly improve the standard of learning among pupils of the school.

The community members thanked the Nigerian Navy for the gesture.

The occasion witnessed an impressive turnout of military personnel and other stakeholders, including the Dein of Agbor, His Majesty Keagborekuzi I, the council Chairman, Hon. Jerry Ehiwariyo and Head Teacher of the school.

The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy says it has deactivated eight illegal refining sites and apprehended three suspects.

Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB, disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Warri.

Okoloagu said that the illegal refining sites were deactivated in a series of coordinated operations at Obodo Omadina Community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

He said that the operation was in line with the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II which according to him is based on credible intelligence.

Okoloagu added that the operations aligned with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla which emphasised sustained pressure on economic saboteurs.

“Specifically, on June 6 2025, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino Community.

Read Also: Navy extends medical outreach to Bayelsa community

“The sites contained 4,660 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,125 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) stored in one oven, 19 dugout pits and 15 polythene sacks.

“Also, on June 13, two additional sites were dismantled at Oteghele, also within Obodo Omadino. The operation led to the recovery of 8,400 litres of stolen crude oil, stored in 21 dugout pits.

“Similarly, on June 19, 2025, three additional illegal refining sites were uncovered and dismantled at Oteghele.

“An estimated 7,650 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,100 litres of illegally refined AGO were recovered from 26 dugout pits and 28 polythene sacks.

“Cumulatively, the Base deactivated eight illegal refining sites and seized approximately 20,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 3,225 litres of illegally refined AGO.

“The products were discovered in two locally fabricated ovens, 66 dugout pits and 43 polythene sacks,” he said.

Okoloagu also said that a team of Anti-crude oil theft was deployed to the Malu Jacket 19, offshore Escravos, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited on June 15, following credible information.

He said that the team on arrival, discovered a wooden boat connected to the platform via a hose, siphoning crude oil.

“The boat, fitted with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine was seized and three suspects arrested.

“Additionally, one  speedboat fitted with a 200HP  Yamaha outboard engine was also impounded in the operation,” Okoloagu said.

The commander expressed the Base unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas assets.

He warned perpetrators to desist from the illicit act or face the full wrath of the law.

(NAN)

As Nigeria’s security challenges grow increasingly sophisticated, so too must the nation’s defense posture. Nowhere is this evolution more apparent than within the Nigerian Navy, which under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is undergoing a strategic transformation designed to tackle threats both at sea and on land, reports Assistant News Editor, Precious Igbonwelundu.

New Chapter in Maritime Defense

From structural reforms to tactical innovations, the Nigerian Navy (NN) is being repositioned as a continental superpower, responding to 21st-century security dynamics with precision, agility, and foresight.

This repositioning was brought to the fore on Sunday evening when the NN showcased its resolve to evolve beyond its traditional amphibious domain with the unveiling of the logos of the Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines.

The unveiling which was done by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, at the Ceremonial Sunset and Dinner held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos, to wrap up week-long celebration of the navy’s 69th anniversary, was followed by the handover of command flags to newly appointed heads of the commands.

Articulating the navy’s renewed commitment to national security, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla echoed: “Our strength lies in our collective will to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this nation. We have sustained maritime security operations to combat maritime crimes, especially oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy.

“The Navy’s total spectrum maritime strategy reflects its growing remit- one that spans from open waters to littoral zones and even land-based operations. This expanding scope necessitated a major reorganisation: the creation of two new specialised commands- the Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines.”

Strategic Reorganisation for Asymmetric Warfare

Recognising the multidimensional asymmetrical violent extremism threats the country was confronting and how overstretched the ground  forces were, the Navy thought it wise to, in line with the dramatic evolution and complexities of the country’s security landscape, emplace robust land-based capabilities to confront these  threats.

Although the NN’s elite Special Boats Services (SBS) had been involved in counter-terrorism around the Lake Chad Basin and other land based operations across the country, there was however no centralised command. Moreover, other personnel deployed for such operations lacked specialisation and relied solely on basic training, which according to Navy’s Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, was inadequate for emerging threats.

“To address these gaps, the Nigerian Navy Board approved the establishment of the Special Operations Command on May 6, and the Nigerian Navy Marines on May 9. Both commands were formally operationalised through Nigerian Navy Orders 0925 and 1025, respectively.

“These new commands represent a declaration that the Navy is determined, prepared, and proactive. They will integrate Naval Special Forces, including combat divers and other critical enablers, trained, equipped, and ready to strike decisively whenever and wherever mission demands,” said Rear Admiral Ferreira.

Projecting Power across Domains

With the headquarters of the Special Operations Command established in Makurdi, Benue State, the Navy now possesses a dedicated structure for the command and control of its special forces. This unit, along with the Nigerian Navy Marines, is expected to significantly boost operational effectiveness in tackling asymmetric threats.

In tandem with these strategic developments, the Navy has intensified its operational engagements. One notable initiative is Operation Delta Sanity, launched in January 2025 to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta. The operation leverages enhanced surveillance and maritime domain awareness, leading to multiple arrests and asset seizures, including ships, vessels, and thousands of liters of petroleum products.

Additionally, the Navy introduced fiscalisation duties to monitor loading activities at national crude oil platforms. According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, these efforts have contributed to increasing daily crude oil production to approximately 1.7 million barrels.

Boosting Maritime Capabilities

Beyond strategy and operations, the NN is also expanding its physical and technological capacity. There have been injections of new and more sophisticated platforms into its fleet, including three fast patrol boats and three helicopters inducted last Saturday, just as two 76-meter offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) from Turkey; three 46-meter boats from China; three 38-meter Sea Eagle patrol boats from France, and three 17-meter Manta boats from Singapore were being expected later this year.

Domestically, the Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding programme is progressing steadily, with two 38-meter Seaward Defense Boats (SDBs) currently under construction. “These additions are vital for power projection across the Gulf of Guinea and are central to the Navy’s long-term strategic vision,” stated Admiral Ogalla at the dinner.

Infrastructure and Welfare Renaissance

Understanding that personnel are the backbone of any military, the Navy has undertaken an ambitious infrastructure drive. “By the end of 2025, we envisage providing new accommodation for no fewer than 1,500 personnel in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Calabar. …Projects include administrative blocks, barracks, jetties, and strategic fuel reserves,” Ogalla revealed.

According to him, human capital development was a central pillar in actualising det goals, hence the increased local and foreign training opportunities available for officers and ratings.

“We’ve improved personnel remuneration, increased recruitment, and provided various welfare interventions for serving and retired personnel. Families of fallen heroes have received housing and scholarships for their children, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to its people,” said the CNS.

Partnerships and Global Collaboration

The Navy’s repositioning is not happening in isolation. The service has strengthened ties with international partners through joint exercises like Crocodile Leaps, Obangame Express, and Grand African Nemo, among others.

Significantly, in February, Nigeria signed an MoU with the African Union, appointing the Nigerian Navy as the strategic sea lift capability provider for AU peacekeeping missions. It also continues to lead efforts in the operationalisation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, an essential step in eliminating piracy and transnational maritime crime.

Read Also: Oluwo seeks prayer for Tinubu, says reforms necessary to rebuild Nigeria

Political Support and National Confidence

The Navy’s transformation has received strong support from political leaders. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chief of Staff Taye Ayinde, acknowledged the Navy’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifeline- its maritime domain.

“The Nigerian Navy, through its high-tech strategic roles, is undeniably a critical contributor to the stability of the Nigerian economy.

“It is gratifying to note the Navy’s firm commitment to internal security, economic protection and national sovereignty,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Chairman, Senate Committee on the Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, echoed these sentiments. He described the Navy as “highly disciplined and efficient…within the prestige of your responsibilities lies the wealth of the nation.”

Daniel also emphasised President Tinubu’s unwavering support. “The instruction of Mr. President is that anything that has to do with the military takes priority over and above everything,” he revealed, assuring the Navy of continued legislative backing.

The Road Ahead

As the Navy marks its 69th anniversary, its leadership remains focused on the road ahead. “Let us strive to maintain the path of loyalty, unity, innovation, and unyielding dedication to our motherland,” urged Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The Navy’s repositioning is more than a response to current threats, it is a visionary recalibration of roles, responsibilities, and resources aimed at securing Nigeria’s future. Whether in the crests of the Gulf of Guinea or in the heartlands of the nation, the Nigerian Navy is evolving into a force that embodies the strength, adaptability, and resolve of the Nigerian spirit.

In the words of Vice Admiral Ogalla, “We must remain focused and work assiduously towards protecting the nation’s maritime domain in line with our statutory rules. The stakes are high, but so is our commitment.”

As the Navy looks to its 70th anniversary and beyond, it sails on a course charted by determination, guided by strategy, and powered by unity.

The Nigerian Navy has inducted three warships and three helicopters into its fleet for enhanced maritime security.

The induction ceremony was held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos, as part of activities marking the navy’s 69th anniversary.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, described the induction ceremony as a testament to progress and a bold stride towards securing Nigeria’s future.

“The sea has remained a pillar of our nation’s economic prosperity. For the past 69 years, the Nigerian Navy has stood as the guardian of this blue territory. With the addition of these formidable assets, we affirm our commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“These patrol ships and helicopters are force multipliers in our fight against piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. This commissioning is therefore a reflection of our determination to empower our institutions and protect our resources,” he said.

Matawalle thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continuously supporting the Nigerian Navy.

The minister noted that the President’s support demonstrated the priority his administration accorded national security issues.

Congratulating the Navy on its 69th anniversary, Matawalle assured the service that the government would continue to prioritise its needs as a strong navy is the cornerstone of a secure and prosperous economy.

“Let me also congratulate the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, under whose leadership the Nigerian Navy has pursued fleet modernisation with vigour, bridging capability gaps and restoring pride to our navy. Today’s induction is a fruit of your strategic foresight. I commend you, your team, and all partners who turned this vision into a reality.

Read Also: Navy sails over 400 civilians to mark 69th anniversary

“To the National Assembly, I must commend your bipartisan commitment to funding and oversight, which are instrumental to achieving this feat. Let us sustain this unity of purpose for the sea does not distinguish between political lines. It demands our collective vigilance.

“To our international allies and technical partners, your collaboration underscores a shared truth that maritime security knows no borders. Together, we are proving that the Gulf of Guinea’s safety is not Nigeria’s burden alone but a global imperative.

“To the officers and ratings who will crew the ships and operate the helicopters, you must realise that they are vessels of hope entrusted to you by a nation that believes in your ability to safeguard its destiny. As you operate these assets, remember that the weight of Nigeria’s aspirations rests on your shoulders.

“As we commission these ships and helicopters, let us envision the future they herald: a future where our waters are impervious to criminality; where fishermen cast their nets in peace; where global trade flows unhindered through our ports. This is not a distant dream but a mission within our reach.

“As the Nigerian Navy remains the guardian of our blue economy, sail forth with courage and know that a grateful nation stands behind you,” he said.

Vice Admiral Ogalla listed the new assets as three Fast Patrol Boats – NNS SHERE, NNS FARO and NNS IKOGOSI, as well as three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters.

The CNS said the Navy would continue to carry out fleet recapitalisation to enhance its operational efficiency, adding that the inclusion of the assets would enhance the service’s capability to dominate the maritime space and deny criminals the freedom of action.

According to him, the inducted military assets have high endurance and are equipped with advanced surveillance as well as rapid-response capabilities.

Ogalla said the three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters also have long-range surveillance and high endurance capabilities.

The CNS noted that the platforms would complement existing maritime domain awareness capabilities to bolster surveillance and response capabilities for improved maritime security and economic activities.

He said said the Navy was expecting several platforms to join its fleet this year. These include two 76m high endurance offshore patrol vessels from Turkey, three 46m fast patrol boats from China, and tug boats, among others.

“These platforms, when inducted into the Nigerian Navy fleet, will enhance our operational readiness to carry out our statutory roles. We are also enhancing human capacity development through adequate technical training to ensure proper usage and maintenance of these platforms.

“This is in addition to other welfare packages to improve the morale and operational efficiency of our personnel being the most important resource of the navy,” Ogalla said.

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (retd.), said one of the vessels was donated by the Korean Navy to cement diplomatic relationships between both countries, which began in 1980.