The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Navy

  • Sokoto, Navy to build burnt brick classrooms

    Sokoto, Navy to build burnt brick classrooms

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has disclosed of plans to partner with the Nigerian Navy to construct blocks of classrooms using the affordable burnt brick technique across the 36 districts of the state.

    The governor spoke at the flag- off of an intensive advocacy campaign to boost school enrolment for the eastern part of the state in Durbawa village of Wurno LGA.

    He said the buildings would be named after the district heads to encourage them to help promote enrolment.

    “We initiated this advocacy committee, under the leadership of the Sultan, with the aim of sensitising parents on the importance of sending their children to school. Any parent who refuses to heed the call will be sanctioned in accordance with the laws of Sokoto State.

    “These classrooms are important because they’re eco-friendly and cost effective to build.

    “To encourage our traditional leaders to take active part in the promotion of education, let me announce here that each block of classroom constructed will be named after the District Head of the area it was sited,” Tambuwal said.

    Tambuwal said the project would be executed under the State Consultative Committee on the Development of Education headed by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

    While adding that the measure will also ensure that the schools are properly taken care of by the communities, the governor urged parents to complement government’s efforts by enrolling their children into schools and ensuring they attend classes on schedule.

    In his remarks, Sultan Sa’ad said the committee’s assignments include raising awareness on the importance of both Western and Islamic education, and ensuring children are properly educated especially at the foundation level.

    He assured that the committee will ensure all eligible children  benefit from the state government’s education policy.

    “I am reminding traditional rulers to brace up to the challenges ahead of us,” he added.

    On his part, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori, said the new enrolment push will be conducted in the three senatorial zones of the state.

    He said the programmes to enhance quality of teaching will target both traditional tsangaya schools in which 4000 out of 30,000 will benefit in the first phase, and conventional schools.

    The occasion featured the presentation of school uniforms, bags and writing materials to less privileged children in the localities.

     

  • Navy arrests five notorious kidnappers

    •Rescues kidnapped official, daughter in Rivers

    Operatives of the Nigerian Navy in the newly-established Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN) in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, have dislodged a notorious kidnapping and cult-ring syndicate.

    The gang specialises in kidnapping and cult-related activities in Ubima and its environs. Five of its members were arrested.

    The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Pathfinder, Rumuorlumeni, Port Harcourt, Commodore Samson Bura, who made the disclosure yesterday in the Rivers State capital, revealed that a kidnapped naval official and his daughter were also rescued in the operation.

    He said: “The suspects (five kidnappers) conspired and kidnapped an official of the Nigerian Navy and his daughter at 8 p.m. on December 28, 2017 around Ozuoha/Omademe communities in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State.

    “The same group (of kidnappers) earlier attempted to assassinate a Director of the College (NWCN). Consequently, the Navy mobilised a quick response team, in collaboration with other security agencies, towards rescuing the naval official and his daughter.

    “In the encounter, gunfight ensued between the kidnappers and the armed rescue team, where the superior firepower of the rescue team prevailed and led to the rescue of the victims and dislodgement of the kidnappers from their den in Omademe community.

    “The operation led to the arrest of five suspects, who were in possession of dangerous weapons. Three of the suspects were wounded, while the suspected gang leader, Kirgika Stanley Lucky, popularly known as Schoolboy, escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the gang leader. All arrested persons have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution. Kirgika Stanley Lucky is hereby declared wanted.”

    The commander also urged members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing kidnapper (Lucky) to contact the nearest police station or other security agencies.

    Residents of Ubima community and its environs, especially parents and guardians, were admonished by Bura to caution their children and wards against involvement in kidnapping and cult-related activities, declaring that operatives of the Nigerian navy would not relent in their efforts to rid the area of criminals.

  • Navy trains 139 cops in underwater tactics

    Navy trains 139 cops in underwater tactics

    One hundred and thirty-nine marine officers, trained in underwater tactics by the Navy, have graduated.

    The marine policemen, who were trained in three batches of 39, 50 and 50, graduated at the weekend, after a six-week intensive course at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre  (JMSTC) in Navy Town, Ojo.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, said the Basic Marine Operations Course (BMOC) was aimed at improving the marine police’ ability in weapon and boat handling and maintenance.

    He said it acquainted them with the laws of the sea, search and rescue, chart work and rules of the sea.

    His words: “The training inculcated in them best global practices in seamanship, navigation and other specific areas of maritime operations. The JMSTC is one of the best in the continent. I have no doubt that despite the rigours of training, the participants have benefitted greatly from this citadel of learning.

    “You should, therefore, use the privilege of this training to improve yourself to meet the challenges ahead. It is pertinent to state that the security challenges confronting the country, especially in the maritime environment, needs the collaborative efforts of all security agencies, especially the Navy and police.

    “I appreciate the CNS and IGP for working out this training arrangement, which has not only brought the two services closer, but also enabled us to share knowledge. The Navy is ever ready to render necessary help to the police when called upon. As a maritime country endowed with enormous resources, the need to protect these resources becomes very necessary. I am highly delighted that the JMSTC has turned out this set of professionally trained and adept Marine Police Officers.”

    The JMSTC Commandant, Capt. Noel Madugu, said the trainings received were the start of their career in marine police operations.

    “The BMOC was developed to enhance the capability of the Marine department of the Nigeria Police for littoral and riverine operations, to enable them secure Nigeria’s maritime environment,l particularly the inland waters, effectively and efficiently.

    “Therefore, the objective of the course was to improve the knowledge of the participants in seamanship and navigation in line with international best practices,” Madugu said.

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, said the gains realised from the pioneer trainees instigated the force to enrol others.

    Idris, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Maritime, Alkali Usman, said: “The initial batch was 39, and when we saw the improvement, we sent 100 more in two batches for the training. I can tell you the skills they have acquired have improved our strength around inland waters.

    “The marine police unit is waxing stronger; we have the unit in 22 states, and they have weapons to operate with. Our inland waters are better policed now.”

  • We destroy illegal refineries daily – Navy

    We destroy illegal refineries daily – Navy

    The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Calabar, on Friday said it has destroyed illegal refineries within its area of responsibility.

    The Flag Officer Commanding of ENC, Rear Adm. Victor Adedipe, disclosed this to journalists while decorating two senior officers.

    Adedipe decorated Capt. Mary Adetola, the fourth female officer in the Nigerian Navy to become a Commodore in the Nursing unit alongside Lt.-Commander Mohammad Zakariya, who was also promoted to Commander.

    However, the FOC said 2017 had been a successful year for the command.

    “We have done quite a lot in 2017, whenever this illegal refineries spring up and we discover them, we shut them down on a daily basis.

    “We have equally arrested quite a number of criminals at sea who were terrorising ships and other vessels that were traversing our maritime environment.

    “We have some challenges, we still have inadequate platforms and logistic challenges. But, within the constraint of what is provided, we will continue to function very well,’’ he said.

    The Navy commander congratulated the newly decorated senior officers and urged them to see their promotion as a call to higher service.

    Responding, Commodore Omotola, a matron in the Navy Hospital, Calabar, thanked God for her elevation.

    She promised to work hard to justify the confidence reposed on her, assuring that she would continue to discharge her constitutional duties effectively.

    NAN

  • Navy uncovers new vandals’ haven

    •1,330 fuel-laden kegs recovered 

    •I am not aware of it, says Topline boss

    Nigerian Navy (NN) operatives at the weekend uncovered a new pipeline vandals’ haven around Atlas Cove Island in Lagos.

    Ilado, Ilashe, Corner Loss, Sarkin Juju and Idi Mangoro  were raided on Thursday and Friday, after the Navy monitored the area for about three weeks.

    It was gathered that a resident on the Island tipped off naval personnel about activities of vandals, who had vandalised the pipeline flowing from Atlas Cove to Mosimi.

    The Nation gathered that the vandals were in collusion with officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the private security firm contracted by the government to safeguard the pipelines in the theft.

    During an on-the-spot assessment of the areas on Saturday, it was observed that the vandals constructed bunkers  and lived among the locals.

    Also observed were lorry tracks, charms, hundreds of empty jerry cans tied together and packed inside sacs.

    Briefing reporters after a tour, the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Maurice Eno said on December 14, a detachment of personnel raided the locations and discovered a storage facility having over 1500 jerry cans.

    He said: “One thousand, three hundred and thirty (1,330) contained products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) believed to have been siphoned from the NNPC pipelines laid on the island.

    “At the time of the raid, no person was found on the storage facility. The product was evacuated to NNS BEECROFT. The team also discovered the siphoning points where valves were connected by the vandals to steal the product.

    “It is pertinent to note that the NNPC pipelines laid on Atlas Cove Island are under the supervision and care of Top Line Security Limited/ Kings Guard Security Company. It is opined that these heinous acts may not have gone unnoticed by these private security outfits.

    “The Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is committed to assisting NNPC deal with the issue of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

    “Pipeline vandals and other criminal elements particularly in our maritime environment are warned to desist from the acts and pursue lawful means of livelihood. Otherwise, they will surely be brought to justice. The crude products would be handed over to NNPC.”

    Contacted, the Administrative Officer of Topline Security, John Udeme said he was unaware of the development.

    He said: “I am not aware that vandals were operating there. I am not aware the security men on ground were colluding with vandals. I have contacted our officer in Lagos but I haven’t gotten a clear picture yet. You are the one that has given me this information and we would investigate it.”

  • Suspected kidnapper arrested in Ondo

    Suspected kidnapper arrested in Ondo

    Four  expatriates were at the weekend rescued by men of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Naval Forward Operating Base(FOB) Igbokoda from kidnappers in Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State.

    The victims, said to be Chinese were kidnapped on their way from Lagos through Ayeton Creeks to Ogooluayo community along Ebute by a gang of Sea pirates .

    In the operation of the joint routine patrol on the Waterway, men of the Nigerian Army and Navy intercepted  the sea pirates and their victims.

    It took the gallantry effort of othe joint security operatives to rescue the four Chinese who have sustained gun wounds from the Kidnappers.

    The rescued victims were currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

    During the operation, one of kidnappers was apprehended and now undergoing interrogation while other kidnappers fled with gun wounds.

    Sources hinted  that youths from Ogooluwa community led by Job Omogunwa joined the security officers in demonstration of good  community relations between the Military and members of the public.

    Meanwhile,spokesman for the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Barracks, Akure, Major Ojo Adelelegan urged the public especially in the riverine areas of the state to avail them with useful information on the fleeling kidnappers with gun wounds.

    He pointed out that the security agencies in Ondo State are at alert to continue protecting lives and properties in the state.

  • Navy wives build skills acquisition centre

    Navy wives build skills acquisition centre

    •Officers’ spouses shop for personnel families

    The Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) at the weekend unveiled an ultramodern skills acquisition centre built to equip the children of its personnel with self-reliance.

    Also unveiled were blocks of 13 shops, which the association said would be leased out at low cost to spouses of naval personnel to boost their financial standings.

    Hailing NOWA for its philanthropic gestures, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, said the association had continuously brought succour to the weary and the needy through innumerable outreach projects and programmes.

    He said: “Its stature in service delivery through expanded opportunities in education and empowerment for self-reliance, therefore, towers impressively for all to behold. The annual ritual of touching the lives of the less privileged in the society during major anniversaries and commemoration further solidifies the imprint of NOWA’s exemplary humanity in our minds.

    “Quite pleasantly, it would seem the organisation is increasingly spurred by each new accomplishment. The community of its beneficiaries and prospective ones could, therefore, feel a genuine sense of hope against the very good prospects and relentlessness of NOWA in changing and re-changing their lots for the better.

    “I invite all in need of the opportunities offered in these projects to quickly embrace them. I charge you to make it count by availing the facilities in a responsible and sustainable manner. We look forward to a feedback of measurable and tangible economic progress from participation in the businesses to be facilitated by these outlets.”

    NOWA’s President Mrs. Theresa Ibas said the projects were completed after several years of hard work, determination and perseverance.

    The NOWA chief acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba and Mrs. Usman Jibrin, who initiated the ideas during their tenures.

    She noted that the projects would reduce the suffering of naval families.

    Mrs Ibas said: “The idea is for beneficiaries to gain one skill or the other that would reduce financial burden on their parents. We sited the projects in Navy Town, Ojo, because this is where majority of personnel reside.

    “Most of our youths find themselves idle not because they love to be but for lack of means. I sincerely thank Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba for initiating this project.

    “She was passionate about the plight of widows, orphans and the navy family as a whole. She sought ways to alleviate their sufferings and came up with this beautiful idea that has become a reality. This is a milestone in the anal of NOWA.”

    The NOWA president urged naval authorities to send officers with requisite skills to run the centre.

    Aside the projects, The Nation reports that NOWA held its annual Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons, which featured performances from nursery, primary and secondary school pupils, among others.

  • Community decries demolition by Navy

    Community decries demolition by Navy

    A community in Oluti, Amuwo Kuje area of Lagos has decried the demolition exercise by men of the Nigerian Navy.

    The community said two persons were missing after the exercise.

    Those whose houses were not affected by the demolition exercise are jittery as the Naval officers promised to come back.

    Andrew Uviase said seven people have been hospitalised as no notice was given to them before the exercise was carried out.

    Uviase said people went to work and came back home to see their houses demolished.

    He said: “The naval officers came with their bulldozer armed with guns and started demolishing peoples’ houses. Some people were too shock to see what happened to their houses and fainted.”

    Condemning the development, the Alamuwo of Amuwo Kuje, Oba Isaac Olayemi said the community has petitioned both the Police and the Navy.

    He also said that if the matter was not resolved amicably, they will go to court to seek redress.

    Lieutenant Commander Priscilla Iyorivbe of the Nigerian Navy in Navy Town refuted that claims of missing persons, saying nobody was touched.

    She explained that residents of the affected area were encroaching on Navy land and the authority had to do the needful.

  • Navy unveils Safety Information portal

    Navy unveils Safety Information portal

    The Navy has launched an online Maritime Safety Information (MSI) portal and data centre to provide mariners with real time security and safety information on the waterways.

    The centre, located at the NN Hydrography Office on Point Road, Apapa, Lagos, was inaugurated yesterday by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.

    Ibas said the portal would provide adequate information on happenings in the maritime domain for sailors and ensure timely collation, processing and dissemination of navigational warnings, other safety information to mariners operating within the country.

    The CNS, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah, said the availability of accurate and timely hydrographic data was a necessity for improved maritime activity.

    He said: “Robust Maritime activities cannot thrive without security and safety, which largely depends on the availability of accurate and timely hydrographic data and information.

    “This data can be in form of nautical charts, be it paper and/or electronic navigational charts as well as navigational warnings about uncharted dangers which need to be dessiminated quickly to facilitate safe conducts of maritime activities.

    “With this portal, I enjoin stakeholders to cooperate and utilise this facility for promotion of safety and security in Nigeria’s maritime environment.

    “With our waters safe and secure, robust maritime activities will thrive, which will boost Nigeria’s economy and ultimately improve the well being of Nigerians.”

    The Hydrographer of the Navy, Commodore Emeka Okafor, said: “The MSI portal and data centre is intended to provide navigational warnings of uncharted dangers and meteorological forecasts to mariners navigating within Nigerian waters.

    “On the other hand, mariners would be able to easily reach out to the hydrographer to report any uncharted features observed during their voyage within the Nigerian waters, which may constitute dangers to navigation.

    “Presently, the world is divided into 21 navigational areas and Nigeria is number two. Through this portal, Nigeria has fulfilled a critical International Hydrographic Organisation’s requirement for the development of hydrography.”

  • Navy ready to neutralise criminals

    Navy ready to neutralise criminals

    THOSE threatening to plunge the Niger Delta region into another round of unrest should have a rethink, the Nigerian Navy warned yesterday.

    The Navy said that the military was not caught off-guard by the recent threat to resume hostilities by members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), assuring that nothing would be spared in the task of protecting the nation’s critical assets.

    Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas told reporters at the Nigerian Navy School of Engineering in Sapele, Delta State that the efforts of the Nigerian Navy to reduce sea piracy were yielding positive results.

    Vice Admiral Ibas, who was on tour of naval formations in Delta State in the company of other senior officers said the enhanced production level in the oil and gas industry was a testimonial to the success of the Navy’s strategies to curb criminal activities in the creeks.

    Reacting to the NDA threat to resume violent attacks on oil facilities and personnel, CNS Ibas said the Navy and the other arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces would brace to the challenge, saying that the Navy would devote its resources to protecting the nation’s assets.

    The CNS said: “Threat by Niger Delta Avengers, threat by kidnappers, threat by sea robbers, sea pirates and threats by all criminals are threats that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a responsibility towards containing. We don’t wait until a threat comes from anywhere before the Navy acts.

    “What we do is protecting lives and properties so any threat, especially against the nation’s assets or individuals, is taken very seriously and the Nigerian Navy will continue to do that which it has to do to protect the assets and properties of Nigeria.”

    On the concern being raised over the safety on the international waterway from activities of sea pirates, Ibas said that the Navy will maintain its presence at sea, adding that though there would always be attempts by criminal elements to jeopardise safety of the maritime environment. The Navy has put measures in place to contain criminal activities at sea.

    He said: “It is, of course, relative to say piracy is on the rise, but like we’ve always said, whatever happens on the sea must have been conceptualised on land and then taken to the sea. The majors had earlier enumerated the check points’ management; our presence in the backwaters and at sea is tailored towards reducing those challenges you have out there at sea.

    “I think the overall assessment is that the Navy’s presence has reduced the incidences of pirates at sea. We may have had attempts, but such attempts have been mitigated aggressively and positively too for seafarers who use the sea for legitimate business, the effort of the Navy is paying off. Yes, you have attempts and challenges everywhere but as we continue to build our capacities, we’ll continue to meet to challenges well”, Ibas said.