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Tag: Nigerian Navy (NN)

  • Navy to reposition self for operational efficiency

    Navy to reposition self for operational efficiency

    To combat emerging maritime security, the Nigerian Navy (NN) said plans were on for self-repositioning to achieve operational efficiency.

    Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas stated this at the annual NN seminar in commemoration of the Navy Week celebration.

    He said the repositioning would encompass development of lasting policies and strategies that would position the service for enhanced operational efficiency and attitudinal change.

    Ibas, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, said human resource constitutes the most important NN asset for performing its constitutional and emerging roles.

    He said: “One of the emerging concepts in this rapidly changing world is the recognition of the human factor as major and pre-eminent in achieving results for organisation, military forces and countries.

    “It is noteworthy that the NN has evolved in the last 61 years from a constabulary navy with 11 assorted ships and crafts with about 200 personnel to a fully-fledged navy capable of executing the dimensions of warfare as well as provision of auxiliary services.

    “Human resource therefore constitutes the most important NN asset for performing its constitutional and emerging roles, hence optimal human resource management and continuous development has been pivotal to the success achieved so far in the implementation of our roles.

    “The ever changing dynamics of maritime operations and security have continued to impose enormous challenges on the NN. It is safe to assume that the current economic situation in the country necessitates prudence in managing material and human resources.

    “These current trends lend credence to the need to evolve ways of ensuring that the service is for stability and prosperity of Nigeria. This is to achieve NN responsibilities in support of the government’s effort in providing stable and economic prosperity.

    “Part of my key priorities since assumption of office is to promote NN manpower development to achieve optimal professional capacity of personnel.

    “To this end, I am glad to note that we have reviewed the NN training policy on operation, type and on the job training. We have also commenced accreditation and affiliations of our professional schools to internationally recognised bodies.

    “The seminar is geared towards further enlightening and educating personnel on issues bordering on attitudinal change, administration and work ethics.”

    In his opening remarks, FOC Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed said the seminar themed “repositioning NN for operational efficiency through human capacity development and attitudinal change” was conceptualised because the service under Ibas placed high premium on capacity building.

    He said: “Human resources form a vital component of any organisation. Seminars such as this, underscores the importance of developing the capacity of the human resource.

    “The NN is currently engaged in several security, social and human development activities, towards ensuring stability, security and economic prosperity of Nigeria, as well as support for better living condition of the larger society.

    “This nation building effort is being pursued with unwavering vigour, under the visionary leadership provided by the CNS.”

     

  • Why pirates, oil thieves fled Lagos waters

    Why pirates, oil thieves fled Lagos waters

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has attributed the decrease in maritime crimes around Lagos waters to the termination of sea blindness.

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai stated this on Friday during a tour of units and formations under his command.

    Bobai who acknowledged the drastic reduction of crimes within western waters, said the criminals were aware that they were being monitored real time through the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) and Falcon Eye facilities.

    He said: “Before now, we were a bit sea blind. We could not see beyond our noses. But with the RMAC and Falcon Eye facilities, we can see real time what is happening in our domain. So, we have used that to our advantage.

    “The moment we pick up illegality, we deploy vessels to the place and identify the exact spot and arrest the culprits. The people are now aware that we can see them, and so, they are keeping off to avoid being arrested.

    He commended the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas for his commitment to better personnel welfare, attributing the newly constructed gym, upgraded Junior Rates’ Mess and Ratings Arcade at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT to the naval chief’s vision.

    On his visit to the naval post at Tongeji Island and Forward Operations Base (FOB) Badagry, Bobai said the tours were preparatory to the CNS’ annual shore and sea inspections.

    He urged the Ogun State government to provide access road in the island, noting that it would promote trade and commerce in the border community.

    “We promised to renovate the only primary school in the island and we have done that. On the construction of access road, the navy can only discus with the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of providing such infrastructure.

    “By way of doing that, I have mentioned it to the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun when I visited. He said he was going to look into it. He has not been to Tongeji Island before and one of the obstacles preventing him is the fact that he has to go through Benin Republic.

    “If the local or state government can take over the project, I believe that the political will is germane in realising the construction of access road in the island so that all beneficiaries can use the road to facilitate trade and commerce.

    “There are some elements of crude oil in Tongeji Island and so, the Ogun State government should take a queue from its Lagos counterpart to utilise that opportunity and see how exploration can be taken there so that the state can begin to enjoy the benefits of an oil producing state.”

  • Navy arrests 25 for “illegal bunkering”, recover products

    Navy arrests 25 for “illegal bunkering”, recover products

    As part of efforts to eliminate economic sabotage and criminality, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has arrested 25 suspects for illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

    Thirteen of the suspects were apprehended in Akwa Ibom by operatives of the NNS JUBILEE with 103 drums filled with illegally refined diesel and 188 empty drums starched in three wooden boats.

    According to the Director Information, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, three suspects were apprehended by the Forward Operation Base (FOB) ESCRAVOS, where six wooden boats carrying suspected stolen products were destroyed around Sandhill Creek in Warri South, and recovered two wooden boats laden with 300 Metric Tones (MT) of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine during the raid.

    “The 13 suspects allegedly involved in illegal bunkering activities were arrested around Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State in three Cotonou boats. Two of the boats were carrying 55 and 48 drums of suspected illegally refined AGO respectively, while the third Cotonou boat was carrying about 188 empty drums. The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to officials of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for necessary action.

    “A patrol team deployed by NNS PATHFINDER raided Adokiakiri Creek around Okirika and Dutch Island at Onne, Rivers State. During the operation, the team arrested eight suspects and destroyed four speedboats laden with 100MT of illegally refined AGO.

    “Two barges containing 500MT of suspected stolen crude oil were also destroyed by the team. In another raid, the patrol team arrested three suspects onboard MV OMETE VI and a large wooden barge laden with about 120MT of illegally refined AGO around FOT Onne in Rivers State.

    “NNS DELTA patrol team raided an illegal refinery site at Saba Creek in Warri South LGA of Delta State. During the operation, a suspect was arrested while the illegal refinery site and a Cotonou boat laden with about 82MT of suspected stolen crude oil were destroyed.”

  • Reps condemn N4.3b budget for military uniforms

    Reps condemn N4.3b budget for military uniforms

    The House of Representatives has condemned the procurement of military and paramilitary gears by foreign manufacturers and in foreign denominated currencies.

    The lawmakers said the practice has been economically and technologically detrimental to the socio-economic and technological growth of the country.

    Consequently, the House has mandated its Committees on Defence and Industries to ensure that the uniforms and other wearing apparels of the Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Nigerians Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and all paramilitary services are produced and procured locally.

    Furthermore, the Bank of Industries (BoI) was mandated to assist garment, shoes and other wearing apparel manufacturers in procurement of modern machines and soft loans to assist in producing shoes, garments and other wearing apparels.

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Ossy Prestige (APGA, Abia), who wondered how beneficial is the procurement of the military gears in foreign currencies and from foreign manufacturers to the country.

    He cited what such procurements would cost the country in 2016 that amounted to  N4.3b with proposed expenditure in the budget for the supply of uniforms for the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Airforce budgeted at N2 billion, N64.329 million and N12.430 million respectively.

    He also said the same procurement cost the nation $8.1m in 2015.

    “One can observe that this practice of importing military and paramilitary uniforms is in sharp contrast with what is obtainable in other countries of the world (both developed and developing countries), who produce and manufacture uniforms and sundry wearing apparels for their military and paramilitary personnel”, he said.

    According to him, the best tool with which to the country can salvage its crashing economy is indigenous market patronage and foreign exchange conservation

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    Similarly, the House has asked the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to suspend the planned hike in tolls at its airports.

    Following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Rotimi Agunsoye (APC, Lagos), who said the timing of the 100 percent increments was wrong,”At a time when a vast majority of Nigerians are groaning under the painful bite of financial incapacities stemming from the recently proclaimed economic recession,” he added.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

  • Navy to localise its training needs

    Navy to localise its training needs

    Plans are underway to ensure that all training requirements of Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel are done in country.

    This development was said to have been borne out of the need for home grown solutions to the security challenges facing the nation as well as the current economic realities.

    Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas disclosed this Friday in Lagos during the graduation ceremony of participants of the Command Level Officers Course one.

    The Nation reports that 15 Captains and seven Commanders were selected from different department of the NN for a four-week course at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA, Apapa, to further prepare them for command responsibilities.

    Ibas who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani noted that the service was gaining grounds against criminals and economic saboteurs.

    “As much as possible, most of our training activities are being harnessed domestically. That is not to say in areas of need and in order to benchmark; we do not send our personnel abroad. Remember that the navy is an international force and so, we send personnel out to interface with other colleagues so that we know how they are doing things.

    “We are trying to localise for reasons of financial constraints which that will help address. We will continue to domesticate our training activities,” he said.

    To Ibas, training must be continually reinvigorated through delibrate innovations to achieve desired goals.

    “In this regard, the command level course provided a veritable means to fast track the delivery of a trained and ready force as the important linkage through quality leadership training to achieve command attributes.

    “It is my hope that they have imbibed sufficient knowledge within the past one month to enable further self-development as they set to take command ashore or afloat,” he said.

    On the fight against militants in the Niger Delta, Ibas said: “We are gaining grounds in Niger Delta. A lot of in roads have been made and are still being made. In no distant future, we will see the outcome. When you interface that with the political solution being advanced by the Federal government, lasting peace will reign in the Niger Delta soon.”

    Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed said that the course was a result of deep introspection.

    “Our past operations and trainings as well as experiences with lessons learnt, served as the main ingredients for the course. I have no doubt that the course will fill the gaps, in past efforts as well as the renewed drive to meet present and future challenges, in operations in our maritime domain.

    “Indeed, we are glad to state that we are developing the next generation of Naval Leaders,” he said.

  • Navy arrests two suspects, vessel for alleged illegality

    Navy arrests two suspects, vessel for alleged illegality

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) Friday handed over two suspects and a vessel, MT REDEEMER to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for lack of proper documentation.

    The suspects were arrested on August 28, last year by naval operatives on suspicion of carrying out illegal activity but at the end of investigation, the NN said nothing incriminating was found on them.

    According to the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commordore Abraham Adaji said the suspects, Ale John, 41 and Alex Adeleye, 33, were left onboard the vessel since last year to allow for proper investigation, adding that they were being handed over to NIMASA for further investigation.

    “At the initial stage, it was discovered that the vessel was not containing petroleum products illegally refined as was suspected. But in the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the vessel did not have a valid registration for being in Nigerian waters.

    “This is contrary to the laws of Nigeria and all efforts to get to the owner to complete the registration formalities and to take possession of the vessel had proved abortive. The owner has been evading the navy, instead of bringing the valid documents to be in Nigerian waters, he kept away.

    “In this circumstance, we are left with no choice than to hand it over to the appropriate government agency.

    “The appropriate agency that has the responsibility for proper disposal of the vessel in recognition of their responsibility for port control and marine safety and security is NIMASA and so we have handed over to them,” he said.

    Continuing, Adaji said the vessel constituted serious threat, not only to maritime safety but also to security of the Nigerian Port and the waterways.

    In his remark, NIMASA’s Director of Safety, Femowei Abel, said the agency would do the needful and get to the root of the matter.

    “Wherever we can get the owner of the vessel to compel him to do the necessary documentation, we will do that. We will also carry out the relevant surveys and see whether the vessel is worthy to be registered to operate in Nigerian waters.

    “If the owner refuses to show up, we will be in possession of the vessel and put up a marine notice giving him an ultimatum to appear before NIMASA to take over possession of the vessel and do what is necessary,” he said.

    The suspects, who claimed they were involved in legitimate business, stated that they usually buy petroleum product in Warri and sell in Lagos.

    They claimed that since their arrest, the owner has not contacted them, adding that the Captain, Owolabi who escaped arrest has also not been in touch.

  • Navy boosts war against militants

    Navy boosts war against militants

    ……To benefit from N60 billion China-African loan
    The war against pipeline vandals and militants Wednesday got a boost as the Nigerian Navy (NN) unveiled 39 patrol boats that can penetrate the creeks.

    This development occurred barely six months after the NN inaugurated 30 of the same class of boats (Epenal boats) in Port Harcourt which were built at the Naval Dockyard Limited.

    Of the 39 unveiled by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Muhammad Dan-Ali (rtd) on Wednesday in Lagos, 30 were indigenously constructed, while nine of them including three Wave Riders and six Arrows.

    Dan-Ali who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Danjuma Sheni also inaugurated 45 different mix of vehicles acquired by the navy to boosts its land operations.

    Commending the navy for sourcing its needs in country and saving cost, Dan-Ali said the emerging security challenges in the country have had great consequences on the polity and economy of the country.

    “These challenges have continued to demand a great deal of human and material resources to surmount, which in the light of dwindling revenue would be sustainable only with generous innovations and incorporations of home grown solutions.

    “The Epenal Boat Yard Port Harcourt was contracted to construct 30 8.2m boats for the navy in 2015, which was delivered earlier this year. These were immediately inducted into the service and used for rigorous patrols in the Niger Delta.

    “Their availability has helped to stem the tide of criminal activities in the area. Encouraged by the success of the venture, the contract for a further 50 was immediately awarded which has yielded the additional 30 boats. The remaining 20 will be delivered subsequently.

    “I am hopeful that the boats would further boost the ongoing patrol efforts in the various rivers and creeks of the country to the immense benefit of the nation’s maritime security.

    In his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas said that the boats were built with improved features from the 30 inaugurated in Port Harcourt.

    “These boats no doubt, have boosted NN maritime operations. These efforts, both then and now, represent NN’s modest contribution to enhance national security and prosperity.

    “Of the 39 boats launched, nine were acquired from Sri Lanka and would be greatly helpful for patrol of territorial waters and the contiguous zone.

    “The decision of the NN to consider to take such bold steps of building 60 boats locally from the two delivered lots, and with 34 more to join shortly, could be considered as part of the resolve to look inwards in the production of our naval hardware.

    “The mounting operational challenges in the face of progressively dwindling economy necessitated the NN to explore more cost saving options through local construction of these patrol boats. The cost of production of a unit of the boat is less than half the cost of producing similar boats from overseas.

    “This rate has been kept despite the massive erosion of Naira value between November 2015 when the production was contracted and now. These boats retained all positive features of the previous set including being fitted with appropriate weapons for credible firepower.

    “Additionally, it benefitted from the incorporation of anti-ballistic protection, giving it edge for more audacious and aggressive employment. They are also expected to present a better sea-keeping ability with a wide margin for the many corrections applied to the design concept of Lot 1, through series of stage trials in the production cycle.

    “I can say we are gradually but steadily moving towards the saturation of the nation’s backwaters with patrol boats for improved security of our maritime domain. The boats will be deployed optimally by various relevant NN units.

    “Their induction would certainly enhance NN’s capability at carrying out her statutory roles and also assist immensely for the NN to keep the criminals at the back foot,” said Ibas.

    Speaking to reporters after the event, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isa Aman-Isa said the legislature appreciates the requirements of the navy and has ensured that it benefits from the N60billion China-Africa partnership loan.

    He disclosed that they have commenced plans to ensure the navy gets adequate funds in the 2017 budget, assuring Nigerians that the issue of militancy would soon be a thing of the past.

    At the event were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Naval Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet, Flag Officers Commanding (FOC) Western and Naval, Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai and his Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) colleague, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed.

    Others include the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Vice Marshal Sani Ahmed, the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot (NOD) Rear Admiral SO Paul, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in-charge of zone II, Abdulmajid Ali, as well as the Chairman, House Committees on Navy.

  • Military retires 464 soldiers

    Military retires 464 soldiers

    The Nigerian military Friday retired 464 personnel from active service.

    The soldiers comprising 449 from the Nigerian Army (NA), two from the Nigerian Navy (NN) and 13 from the Nigerian Air Force were hosted to a passing out ceremony held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos.

    In his farewell remarks to the personnel, Defence Minister, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Dan-Ali (rtd) urged them to collaborate with their colleagues still in service to contain militancy across the country.

    Dan-Ali who was represented by the Director Army, Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Iro Ikenga also urged them to put to good use, the skills they have acquired in the six months they have undergone trainings at NAFRC.

    He said: “You all know that the issue of security of our country in recent times is at its critical stage, as the military is now contending with insurgents in the North-east.

    “As retiring members of the armed forces, a lot is still required of you wherever you find yourselves in the aspect of collaborations with serving members of the Armed Forces.

    “You might also be required to collaborate with other security agencies of our father land to completely eradicate this threat of insurgency. And other criminal activities in our society.”

    Continuing, the Minister said the government has made adequate plans to ensure ex-servicemen have hitch free resettlement, urging them to prudently manage their retirement benefits.

    “The government has continued to vigorously pursue a policy of due process, aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and rule of law. This in no doubt will culminate in the transformation of all spheres of our national life.

    “You must uphold the highest standards of conduct, character, integrity, excellence, service and team work. As worthy ambassadors of the service, you will be held accountable for these standards even in retirement.

    “You must therefore spread these values and virtues wherever you find yourselves,” he said.
    In his address, NAFRC’s Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Mike Iloenyosi urged the retirees to be circumspect, as the society in which they are transiting to would expect much from them.

    “You will be required to prove your worth in the way you relate within the community where you reside.
    “For those of you that will go back to your country homes, you must be interested and be involved in any security arrangement within your community. This is in view of the internal security challenges plaguing our country,” he said.

    At the event were the Commander, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Major General Abimbola Amusu and Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Abraham Adaji, among other senior officers.

  • Navy foils vessel hijack, destroy several illegal refineries

    Navy foils vessel hijack, destroy several illegal refineries

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has foiled attempts by suspected pirates to hijack an oil vessel, MT NORDIC FREEDOM around the Agbami oil field in the Niger Delta.
    This is just as several illegal refineries, boats and stolen Premium Motor Spirit  (PMS) and AGO hidden in the creeks by illegal bunkerers were destroyed by naval forces in the south-south region.
    It was learnt that operatives of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OKPABANA while on patrol at the weekend, were contacted by the BAHAMAS flagged vessel, which was being trailed by pirates.
    Other naval patrol teams also raided Ugborodo Itsekiri area in Warri, Ogbonga, Egbelema and adjoining creeks, as well as better land communities, where illegal refined products and illegal refineries were discovered.
    According to Director, Naval Information, Commodore Chris Ezekobe, the recent operations dealt thr vandals big blow.
    He stated that an illegal refinery with large storage pits containing liquid suspected to be crude oil was discovered at Ugborodo Itsekiri, adding that the team also found a large Cotonou boat laden with 37 drums of suspected illegally refined AGO.
    “The refinery facilities were destroyed as the owners fled the scene before the arrival of NN team. Additionally, a raid conducted in the general areas of Ogbonga, Egbelema and adjoining creeks dealt a devastating blow on the activities of the illegal crude oil thieves.
    “Patrol team of the NN in that raid discovered two co-located active illegal refineries in Ogbonga creek. Further search led to the discovery and destruction of three suspected crude oil storage tanks and four suspected AGO storage tanks.
    “In the Egbelema axis, an active illegal refinery was discovered with two storage tanks. The refinery site and other facilities used for the illicit business were destroyed as the operators of the facilities fled the site in an apparent effort to evade arrest and prosecution.
    “Based on a tip off, the Naval patrol team conducted a raid at better land community. The team discovered an illegal refinery site with eight storage tanks.
    “Four of the eight tanks contained approximately 20,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while the other four had about 10,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO each.
    “Other items discovered and destroyed by the naval patrol team at the site include two Cotonou boats laden with large quantities of suspected crude oil, three fibre speed boats as well as one electric power generator.
    “However, the operators of the illegal refinery deserted the site before the arrival of the naval patrol team,” he said

  • Shakeup in the Navy as 38 senior officers are redeployed

    Shakeup in the Navy as 38 senior officers are redeployed

    In line with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas’  effort to reposition the Nigerian Navy (NN) for greater efficiency,
    38 senior officers were yesterday posted to head different formations and commands.
    The posting, which affected 34 Rear Admirals and four Commodores was said to have been aimed at injecting fresh drive into the NN’s operations and administration.
    A statement signed by the Director, Naval Information, Commodore Chris Ezekobe indicated that the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Raphael Osondu will hand over to former Navy Secretary Rear Admiral F.D. Bobai.
    “The FOC Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir will hand over to Rear Admiral J.O. Oluwole while the FOC Central Naval Command (CNC) Rear Admiral AO Suleiman hands over to Rear Admiral T. Dick.
    “Others are FOC Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo who hands over to Rear Admiral J.O. Okojie and the FOC Logistics Command Rear Admiral E.G. Ofik who hands over to Rear Admiral SAG Abbah.
    “The newly appointed Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Naval Headquarters include Rear Admiral J.A. Ajani – Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS), Rear Admiral O.C. Medani – Chief of Administration (COA), Rear Admiral Henry Babalola- Chief of Naval Transformation (C NTRANS), Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo – Chief of Training and Operations (CTOPS), Rear Admiral EG Ofik – Chief of Naval Safety and Standard (CNASS) while Rear Admiral AO Odeh takes over as the Chief of Naval Engineering (CONE).
    “Moreso, new helmsmen were appointed for two major directorates at the Naval Headquarters. They are Rear Admiral IO Mohammed as Director of Project Implementation Directorate (DPIMED) and Surgeon Rear Admiral EE Enechukwu as Director of Medical Services (DMS),” said Ezekobe.