The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Navy

  • Navy personnel holds fitness walk

    Men of the Naval Training Command, Nigerian Navy, have held a 20-kilometre fitness march to reassess their physical and mental wellness. More than 2000 personnel marched through the Apapa axis.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile said the walk was to equip the naval personnel with key training on efficient performance delivery. He said the march would further stimulate their intellectual alertness to their statutory duties of security.

    He said: “For you to train them for efficient and effective performance, they have to be physically fit and mentally alert. Apart from annual medical examinations which every personnel undergoes, they also undergo physical test. One of such test is this route march. The objective is to know your fitness. They will be able to absorb teachings and acquire knowledge. The men are very fit. As we left there was an ambulance following us which came back empty. Nobody fell out. We covered a total of 2O-kilometer.”

    Ofodile also explained that the force was unrelenting at devising new strategies to combat problems of insecurity around the country.

    “The world is dynamic and there have been various security challenges coming in various forms that were never known to the military. So as these things comes so also we try to find solutions to them. There are a good number of ways of bringing up our men which has been introduced,” he said.

  • Speed violation, overloading among leading causes of road crashes – FRSC

    Speed violation, overloading among leading causes of road crashes – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has identified speed violation, use of cell phone while driving and overloading as leading causes of road accidents in the country.

    Mr Rindom Kumven, its Sector Commander in Delta, and Mr Dickson Amromawhe, Coordinator, Special Marshall Unit, identified the causes on Wednesday, at the FRSC Town Hall Forum in Warri.

    The Forum was organised for stakeholders to examine measures to minimise loss of lives through road crashes.

    Kumven particularly condemned the habit of writing and send text messages on phones while driving, lighting of cigarettes, intake of alcohol and non-use of seat belts.

    “Such habits are very dangerous and must be avoided,” he said.

    He said that the offences were common which prompted the introduction of speed limiters, psychological tests on drivers, and other stiff measures aimed at curbing the violation of traffic rules.

    The commander said that four offenders had so far undergone mental tests in Delta, but added that none was found psychologically imbalanced.

    “The cost of such psychological tests, carried out in designated hospitals, are borne by the offenders,” he said.

    Kumven said that enlightenment on safety on roads had been taken to markets, places of worship and motor parks, and urged members of the public to promote it.

    Amromawhe, on his part, blamed most accidents on the lack of concentration while driving.

    “After a quarrel with your spouse at home, don’t drive.

    “It is emotionally dangerous if you cannot give 100 per cent concentration,” he said.

    The Special Marshal boss, however, advised drivers to keep a safe distance from truck drivers, alleging that some of them (truck drivers) drive under the influence of alcohol.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum had representatives from schools, the Nigeria Army,  Navy, Air Force, the Nigeria Police, among others.

    Also in attendance were  chairmen of local governments, lecturers from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), and youth groups.

  • No hiding place for kidnappers in Cross River, says Navy

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Calabar, Rear Admiral Victor Adedipe, has pledged to weed out kidnappers in Cross River State.

    Responding to a question, Adedipe said they would ensure there is no hiding place for them.

    “I assure you that within the creeks which we operate for whatever information we get as pertaining to any of those outlets we are going to weed them out,” he said.

    Adedipe, who was speaking after a visit to facilities of the command in Calabar and Akpabuyo Local Government Area said by his assessment, they would be able to sustain the high level of security on ground.

    He said they would work with other security agencies to ensure peace.

    Adedipe, who took over  from Rear Admiral James Oluwole two weeks ago had warned criminals under the area of operation to desist as Navy will not relent until they are brought to book.

    The FOC said he was coming on board with fresh and renewed vigour to add value to achievements his predecessor put on ground.

    “The constitutional mandate of the Navy has not changed. Principally, it is to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity in the maritime environment and, more importantly, to protect the national strategic assets within the area of operational responsibility of the ENC. I can assure you that coming on board, one is coming on board with fresh and renewed vigour to add value to what my predecessor has done in furtherance of the strategic directive of the chief of Naval Staff to ensuring that peace is further sustained within the area and ensuring those who are planning and constantly attacking our national resources are put on check,” he said.

    Facilities visited included the Nigerian Navy Secondary  School, Akpabuyo; Atimbo Navy Barracks; Akim Navy Barracks; Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital; Nigerian Navy Primary School Ikot Ansa; and the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory headquarters in Calabar.

  • Kidnapping: Navy to focus on riverine areas

    Kidnapping: Navy to focus on riverine areas

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday said it would focus attention on back waters in order to flush out kidnappers.

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abba stated this after taking over the headship of the command from his predecessor, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai.

    Rear Admiral Abba, who noted the trend of kidnapping pupils in school near  waterside adopted by dislodged militants, said it would not tolerate the use of the waterway for criminality.

    According to the Admiral, kidnappers are not ghosts and they live within the society.

    The FOC also said the command would ensure that illegal oil bunkerers, thieves no longer find a ready market within Lagos area by blocking all their gateways.

    He said: “NN’s job a constitutional responsibility that must be carried out. We have sworn to defend this nation and we have no option than to carryout the mandate. The people of Nigeria expects that much from us.

    “There are new dimensions to kidnapping. The criminals now target school children and so, we must focus attention around riverine areas.

    “Kidnappers are not spirits. They leave among us. If you see an unemployed person building mansion, tell security agencies so that he can be investigated.

    “Can we say we do not know criminals? The media should help us so that we can carryout out mandate.

    Those who do illegal bunkering and oil theft market their products in Lagos. If we block that route, the business will die. But if we don’t, it will continue to thrive.”

    Soliciting the corporation of his officers and men, Abba urged them to be alive to their duties.

    Reviewing his tour of duty in WNC, Bobai said the mandate of Operation AWATSE when he took over last April was to flush out militants

    “We started cleaning up from Ijedodo towards Mosomi, along the 72km pipeline. That was really our mandate from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Fortunately, at that time, the NNPC pipeline was undergoing maintenance and not receiving products.

     

     

     

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  • Navy releases list of successful candidates for Direct Short Service

    Navy releases list of successful candidates for Direct Short Service

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Monday released  the list of names of successful candidates for its  Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 24 Selection Exercise.

    The Acting Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Capt. Suleman Dahun, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

    Dahun said candidates who participated in the selection process from April  10 to  April 28 , should visit the NN website, www.joinnigerian.com  to check  the list.

    “Successful candidates are to report at Nigerian Naval College Onne, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday , July 5.

    “Candidates who fail to report by 12 p.m. on Sunday July 9 will not be accepted for the training.

    “The NN also wishes to use this opportunity to remind the general public, especially interested able bodied young men and women to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment exercise,” he said.

    Dahun also said  that the candidates  seeking enlistment should  register online in the ongoing Batch 27 Recruitment Exercise for ratings at www.joinnigeriannavy.com.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  ongoing registration for  Batch 27 recruitment exercise for ratings commenced on July 1 and would close on July 31. (NAN)

  • Secured, treated by the Navy

    Secured, treated by the Navy

    A community, Okpuala, in Imo State relishes security and free medicals offered by the Navy, reports UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE

    The community once could not defend itself against criminals, and suffered greatly at their hands. That scenario changed when the Navy moved into the area with their school. Since then residents of Okpuala, a short distance away from Owerrinta where the navy’s finance and logistics college is sited, have been enjoying both their days and their nights. Security, however, is just one of the delicacies served by the navy; there are also medical checks and medicines given free to Okpuala residents.

    The latest medical outreach, carried out when the Navy celebrated its 61st anniversary, was held at Okpuala in Ngo-Okpuala Local Government Area of Imo State. The medical rhapsody, as the navy called it, is a routine health scheme aimed at sensitising host communities about their operations and also part of their corporate social responsibility.

    Speaking during the event, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command, Apapa, Lagos, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed said the navy is grateful to host communities for their cooperation. Mohammed said the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas is also happy with the support given to the navy by the communities in Abia and Imo states, adding that it is one of the reasons behind the free medical care being extended to them.

    He said, “This shows that apart from protecting life and property, we also preserve the lives of those around us through medical care delivery. It is only when the people of the state and country are in good health that the navy which has the prerogative of protecting the waterways in conjunction with other arms of the military will have people to protect.”

    Mohammed urged the recipients to take advantage of the free medical scheme being given to them by the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta to sort out their medical problems.

    “If there are any other problems you are facing please feel free to let us know,” he said.

    He charged the people of Okpuala community to be law abiding as the navy is ready to carry everyone along.

    “So long as you are doing the right thing, the law will always be on your side and the navy will always stand by the law abiding community,” he said.

    In his speech, the commandant of the college, Navy Capt Abdullahi Aminu said that the navy is celebrating its 61st year of its existence and that they always celebrate with their host communities.

    He said that the navy college has been offering free medical care to their host community since they came into Owerrinta, adding that people around them have been accessing the facility within the college to treat their medical needs.

    Earlier in an interaction with The Nation, the navy doctor Lt Cmdr Noel Olamide said that they were in the community to offer free medical services to the people which will help to improve the relationship between them and the host communities.

    Lt Cmdr said they have handled about 600 cases ranging from High Blood Pressure, fever, malaria, ulcer, arthritis, including high sugar level, “These include old men, women, children and students as well, while those with severe cases are referred to the hospital at our base”.

    He said, “I noticed that most of them are not even aware that they have health challenges, we have been able to tell them the type of ailments they have and given advice and drugs as well”.

    Earlier the chief nurse of the naval hospital, Lt Ijeoma Nwachukwu had given the patients lecture on how to take care of themselves and the need for their person hygiene, stressing that what they were doing is part of social responsibility to the community around them.

    Nwachukwu used the forum to tell the people that they have no reason to fear the naval officers who are in their community to give them free medical care and that they should listen to advises on how to take care of themselves on health related issues.

    She told them that they were going to run tests on them to determine their state of health, “We will also give those who have health challenges drugs free of charge, while the children from five years old down will be de-wormed”.

    Nwachukwu told them about HIV/AIDS saying that it is not a deadly disease as such, “But you need to take care of yourselves to avoid contracting the disease, as it is not written on the faces of those who are carriers”.

    Nwachukwu said, “The worst aspect of the HIV/AIDS is the issue of stigmatization of the patients which kills faster than the ailment and you cannot contract it through touching but through blood contacts, but if you have HIV/AIDS and take your recommended drugs regularly, you will live long”.

    “There are other forms of diseases that kill faster than HIV/AIDS which includes hypertension, Hypertitis B and other dangerous ailments, but these ailments could be controlled with the routine drugs meant for them”.

    She urged the men to allow their pregnant wives to come for ante natal check-ups and treatment at the base hospital, adding that they equally run free HIV/AIDS tests on such women, “Which is to avoid transmitting the disease from mother to child”.

    One of the recipients of the free medical scheme, Uzoma Okereke while reacting said, “I am a recipient of the navy free medical scheme which held in my community and I am very happy with the navy from Owerrinta in Abia state”.

    “The free medical care given to us will help our people especially the indigent ones who cannot under normal circumstance afford medical bills for their health problems to take care of themselves medically”.

    “The navy is also protecting us from criminals as they have helped our community to chase away criminals from our area including kidnappers, we are now sleeping with our two eyes closed unlike before”.

    In his vote of thanks, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Kele Okereke said that it is not easy for civilians to see top military officers and thanked them for coming to give them free medical care free of charge.

    Eze Okereke said that the medical activities of the navy in his community show that the navy is not only interested in protecting the people during war period but is also concerned about the medical wellbeing of the people around them.

    The FOC, Admiral Mohammed also commissioned some projects built by the Navy Capt Aminuadministration which includes renovated auditorium, security features including perimeter fencing with security lights and car park.

     

  • Police station torched as police, Navy clash in Calabar

    Hoodlums suspected to be arsons have torched Akim Police Station on IBB Way in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    This followed the clash between the police and men of the Navy last Tuesday night.

    A misunderstanding between a policeman and a Naval rating at the traffic light on IBB Way by the U. J. Esuene Stadium snowballed into a clash between the two security agencies.

    Men of the Navy stormed the police station and shot severally at the structure.

    Two policemen and a naval official were reportedly killed in the shootout.

    Several others sustained gunshot wounds.

    Navy and police authorities did not open up on the number of casualty on either side.

    It could not be immediately ascertained if any civilian was caught in the crossfire.

    The police station was set ablaze, a police patrol vehicle and another vehicle inside the station were also burnt.

    It was gathered that the police, fearing that the station might be razed, opened the cells for suspects in custody.

    The walls of the police station were riddled with bullets.

    The gun battle engulfed most of IBB Way – from the police station to the stadium, about half a kilometre away.

    Residents said the gunfight lasted over three hours.

    Vehicles and other property of people nearby were damaged.

    The situation led to a Security Council meeting between Governor Ben Ayade and service commanders in the state.

    The governor urged them to restore normalcy to the area.

    He regretted the incident and promised to take responsibility for the damages on both sides.

    Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory in Calabar, Commodore Sid Jubril, also regretted the incident.

    He said the Navy intervened promptly to check the face-off from escalating.

    The naval officer said the incident would be properly investigated and perpetrators sanctioned appropriately.

    Jubril said the incident was not an indication that the police and Navy were rivals.

    Police Commissioner Hafiz Inuwa said: “Yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the police and Navy. It was just a misunderstanding among our junior officers.

    The police chief said the command quickly stepped in to address the situation.

    He said: “All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress, particularly on security and protection of life and property of the citizenry.”

    Inuwa assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and the culprits brought to justice.

     

  • Police station burnt in clash with Navy

    Police station burnt in clash with Navy

    The Akim Police Station along IBB Way was torched following the clash the police had with men of the Nigerian Navy late Tuesday night.

    A misunderstanding between a policeman and a Naval rating along the traffic light along IBB Way by the UJ Esuene Stadium had snowballed into a clash between the two security agencies that saw men of the Navy storm the police station and rain hails of bullets on the structure.

    At least two policemen and a naval official were killed in the ensuing shootout it was gathered. Several others sustained gunshot wounds. The Navy and Police authorities were however mute on the exact number of fatalities on either side. It could not be immediately ascertained if any civilian was caught in the crossfire.

    In the process the police station was set ablaze, a police patrol vehicle and another vehicle inside the station were also burnt.

    It was gathered that the police in the pandemonium had to open the cells and free suspects in custody so they would not be killed in the fire. The walls of the police station that were still standing were riddled with bullet holes.

    The gun battle had engulfed most of the IBB Way from the police station to the UJ Esuene Stadium about half a kilometre away. According to residents, the gunfight lasted over three hours.

    Vehicles and other property of members of the public were damaged in the incident.

    The situation had led to a security council meeting between Governor Ben Ayade and service Commanders in the state, after which the governor said they would ensure normalcy is returned.

    He regretted the incident and promised to take full responsibility for all the associated damages on both sides.

    Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Victory in Calabar, Commodore Sid Jubril also regretted the incident, saying they intervene promptly to check the escalation of the problem.

    He said that culprits in the incident would be properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them.

    He said the incident in no way indicated that the police and Navy have a good relationship.

    Commissioner of Police. Mr. Inuwa Hafiz also said, “Yesterday’s fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the Police and Navy. It was just a misunderstanding amongst our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly stepped in to address.

    “All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress, particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry.”

    He assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and culprits brought to book.

     

     

  • Naval warships on display for civilians

    Naval warships on display for civilians

    More than four hundred civilians were enthralled with the splendour of a sea cruise hosted by the Nigerian Navy as part of programmes marking its 61st founding anniversary.

    The Navy opened its giant warships, NNS Centenary and NNS Unity to the viewing pleasure boarders inclusive of children and adults, sailing fifteen nautical miles away from breakwater.

    On display were some techniques of combating incursion, landing and taking off moves of the Navy choppers on the ship bay, and the beautiful facilities embedded in the battleship.

    The personnels employed the medium to enlighten the cross section of cruisers on its the continuous mission of policing the country’s waterways against intrusive activities of resource theft, encroachment, illegal shipping and enforcement of a threat-free maritime space among other safety functions.

    Receiving the tourists, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, enjoined them to enjoy the splendor of sea experience.

    The force, however, noted that it has effectively enforced deterrence of illegal operations on the Nigerian waterways with mindful precision of its operation. The presence of its ships, the force said, has efficiently dissuaded criminal inclinations to a barest minimum.

    The Western Naval Command Fleet Operation Officer, Commodore Fatai Sanusi said its control actions have been vital in boosting the confidence of maritime operator’s noting the government was alive to supporting with necessary equipment.

    He said the presence of the ship gives them a lot of confidence to be able to perform their duties and by extension contribute more in terms of tax to the coffers of government.

    ” The federal government is doing well in equipping the Navy and to put them at sea at this period require a lot of resources but we
    have enough trained manpower for the job.”

    Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship Centenary, Rafiu Oladejo said the Navy has intensified deterrence efforts to in the last six months.

    “We are giving civilians the opportunity to be further aware of the roles, capabilities and functions of the Nigerian Navy. The turn out is quite impressive and I could see happiness written all over everyone’s faces. The roles of the Navy are basically military, Diplomatic, and policing. Going on patrol, we check activities in the Nigerian maritime environment in the form of counter piracy operations, anti-illegal immigration, anti crue-oil-theft patrol, ” Oladejo stated.

  • Navy impounds 941 bags of rice

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, (WMC),  yesterday said its officers seized 941 bags of rice estimated at N6, 830,791 being smuggled into the country.

    The new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Sarkin Kebbi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the seizure was barely a month after he assumed duty at the command.

    “As you are aware, I took over the helm of affairs in this command on Tuesday April 25. My first official assignment was on the April 27 where I led a team of inspectors from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture delegated by the Office of the National Security Adviser to inspect a vessel, MV TEAM TANGO, that was arrested.

    “The visit was embarked upon to take samples of cargo on board, PRILLED UREA, presumed to be used by terrorists to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDS).

    “The Western Marine Command is an enforcement unit and its main function is to protect the water-ways, fight insecurity and combat smuggling.

    “We have been able to make unprecedented seizures within 30 days in office across the South Western states and right up to Kebbi State in the Northern part of the country at different dates and times,’’ Kebbi said.

    The CAC said the achievement was borne out of the new approach to duty in the command by the officers and men.

    He said that the goal of the command was to ensure that the waterways were safe from unscrupulous businessmen and women, whose activities endanger national security.

    Kebbi said that realising the enormity of the task ahead, he visited states, institutions and organisations within the command, in order to familiarise himself with the terrain and gather intelligence necessary for effective administration.

    “This commenced on Tuesday, May 16 in company of my principal officers to Badagry and Yekemeh Stations. The tour extended to the paramount ruler of Badagry, Oba Akran of Badagry, as well as the Baale of Pashi, the head of Pashi community. Both monarchs received us warmly and I expressed my gratitude to them for their fatherly love and care for the officers,’’ he told NAN.

    Kebbi said that the task of nation building was a call to service, and therefore implored smugglers to change their business to legitimate ones.

    According to him, there will be no hiding place for them any longer.