The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Navy

  • Navy destroy illegal refinery with 1.59m litres of stolen diesel

    Navy destroy illegal refinery with 1.59m litres of stolen diesel

    The Nigerian Navy on Friday said it had discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery with 1.59 million litres of illegally refined diesel during a mop-up operation in Port Harcourt.

    Speaking at the destruction exercise, Commodore Williams Kayoda, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, however, said no arrest was made during the raid.

    Kayoda said the navy deployed troops to the site after it got intelligence report about the illegal refinery situated around Iwofe, Rumuolumeni area of Port Harcourt.

    “Troops arriving at the site discovered 24 metallic tanks with each containing 60,000 litres of petroleum product suspected to be illegally refined diesel.

    “Similarly, we discovered wooden boats with 150,000 litres of diesel believed to be stolen diesel.

    “The petroleum product was evacuated to a safe location before troops destroyed the illegal refinery using a Swamp Buggy machine which completely crushed the metallic tanks.

    “This new strategy is part of our efforts to end current air pollution in Port Harcourt while making it difficult for oil thieves to revive illegal refineries after it was destroyed,” he said.

    The commander said the use of “Swamp Buggy” was part of tactics which involved complete crushing of metal tanks rather than setting both storage tanks and petroleum products ablaze.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new strategy was adopted following reports that burning of illegal refineries was partly responsible for current air pollution in Port Harcourt.

    The Swamp Buggy strategy adopted by the navy replaces a former approach which involved setting ablaze illegal refineries and illegal bunker sites with its petroleum products.

    Kayoda said the navy was committed to protecting the environment and health of residents and assured that it would carry out its mandate in line with standard practice.

    “The Nigerian Navy will sustain this strategy until we bring this menace to a stop because the economic prosperity of the nation cannot be compromised to criminal individuals and groups.

    “Operation Rivers Sweep which was concluded in February and being consolidated with ongoing Operation White Valentine are part of efforts to stop illegal bunkering and oil theft,” he said.

    Also speaking during destruction exercise, Prof. Roseline Konya, the Rivers Commissioner of Environment, said the Rivers Government had setup a task force which was mandated to discover and stop the source of the air pollution.

    She said that Gov. Nyesom Wike had given the task force a matching order to locate the source of the air pollution which causes lung infection and cancer.

    “We have seen that the military were in the past burning illegal refineries partly because they had no alternatives.

    “We are glad to witness that they no longer burn illegal refineries; but destroy the sites by removing illegally refined petroleum products before they crush storage tanks with Swap Buggy machines.

    “The Rivers government is pleading with individuals organisations such as the Army and Navy to assist us locate and eradicate the source of the soot,” she said.

    Konya, who is chairperson of the task force, commended the navy on the new Swamp Buggy strategy.

  • Navy arrests eight suspects, destroyed 30 illegal refineries

    Navy arrests eight suspects, destroyed 30 illegal refineries

    The Nigerian Navy operating in the Niger Delta region has arrested eight suspected illegal oil marketers while destroying at least 30 illegal refineries in Delta state.

    In a series of intensified anti-crude oil theft operations, Nigerian Navy Ship NNS DELTA discovered and destroyed a total of 10 illegal refineries at a camp around Jones Creek, Warri South West LGA of Delta State.

    The facilities destroyed during the raid include 200 metal tanks, 35 dug pits loaded with about 3,000 metric tons (MT) of product suspected to be stolen crude oil and 1,500MT of illegally refined AGO.

    In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Information, Navy Captain Suleman Dahun in Abuja, a patrol team deployed by the Base arrested a suspect and destroyed a network of 6 illegal refineries around Ugbodede and Asugbo Creeks in Warri South LGA. The facilities destroyed in the sites during the raid include 25 metal tanks and 14 dug pits laden with about 2,590MT of product suspected to be stolen crude oil and 415MT of illegally refined AGO while one suspect was arrested.

    Navy Captain Dahun said another patrol team deployed for anti-illegal bunkering/crude oil theft operations by the same naval base arrested two suspects and destroyed a network of illegal refineries around Ugbodede Creek in Warri South LGA. The facilities destroyed in the raid include a canvas storage pit laden with about 1,500MT of product suspected to be stolen crude oil. The team also discovered and disconnected a 6 inch metal pipe attached to an oil well used for siphoning crude oil.

    The Navy spokesman said NNS DELTA patrol team discovered and destroyed about 20 illegal refineries dump yard stores around Ugbuwangue Community in Warri South LGA. The facilities destroyed in the raid include 1,300 drums laden with about 150MT of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO.

    “In a similar operations carried out by patrol team deployed by NNS PATHFINDER around marine Base axis, a wooden boat laden with some quantity of suspected illegally refined AGO was arrested. Four suspects were also arrested in connection with the products.

    “Also, a patrol team from the Base deployed at Taraba Jetty intercepted another wooden boat laden with an estimated 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO with four suspects. The vessel and suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further action,” Dahun said.

     

  • FG to prosecute illegal importers of frozen fish

    FG to prosecute illegal importers of frozen fish

    …seal offenders cold room

    The Federal Government says it will henceforth arrest, prosecute and fine illegal importers of frozen foods into the country through the land borders and seal cold rooms where it is sold.

    Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of state for Agriculture and Rural Development, announced this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Lokpobiri said the government would also set up a taskforce to seal and prosecute operators of cold room, who deal on those illegally imported produce.

    The minister said the ministry was working in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Marine Police to actualise the plan.

    He said the offenders would pay a fine of $250,000 or attract five years imprisonment or both in addition to the forfeiture and destruction of the produce as stipulated by the law.

    He listed some of the fishes usually being imported to include tilapia, red pacus, river bream, pangassius, horse mackerel, sardine and croaker, among others.

    Lokpobiri said the illegal venture had resulted to huge loss of revenue, decrease in local production and loss of jobs, as well as discouragement by farmers.

    The minister, who said that the move was to encourage local production and exports, disclosed that the country’s annual demand on fish was currently at 3.2 million tonnes and deficit at 1.9 million tonnes.

    According to him, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the ministry is the only competent authority empowered by the Nigeria Sea Fisheries Act to issue distant water fishing licence for the importation of frozen fish into Nigeria.

    “The department does not issue licence for the importation of frozen farmed fish into Nigeria through the land borders.

    “The smuggling of unhealthy frozen fish into the country is detrimental to the progress being made toward guaranteeing the good health and nutrition of Nigerians.

    “We will continue to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service, the Navy, marine policy to see how we can clamp down on the offenders.

    “Even those that have brought the produce into the country, we are setting up a taskforce that will go round different cold rooms, like what Customs is doing to rice.

    “Any cold room that we find these fishes, we will seal them up, ensure you pay the $250,000 fine because laws are meant to be obeyed,’’ he said.

    The minister said that consumption of those imported frozen foods were major cause of some health challenges being experienced in the country.

    Lokpobiri, who frowned at the rising cases of kidney disease among children between the ages of five and seven, assured that the government would fight the menace to a halt.

    In an interview, Mr. Lamina Rasheed, the National Chairman, Association of Indigenous Seafood Stakeholders, appealed to the Federal Government to release foreign exchange (FOREX) for the importation of fish.

    He said that getting FOREX at a cheaper rate would ensure reduction in the price of the produce and make it affordable.

    The chairman said the illegal importation of fishes was detrimental to their business.

    Rasheed said that members of the association paid import duty of 14 per cent, which amounted to millions of naira to the Federal Government while the illegal importers pay next to nothing through the land borders.

    According to him, it is difficult to compete with them in the market because they slash their prices.

    He attributed the high cost of fish to the current exchange rate, adding that the frozen fish did not enjoy FOREX from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “Before, we were getting FOREX from the government but now, we are buying from the open market.

    “When you pay 14 per cent and somebody is paying zero per cent, how do you sell your commodity?

    “Therefore, all the fishes we brought legally into the country are currently stocked in the cold room because we cannot afford to lose our money or bank’s money.

    “We have a lot of stocks in the cold room, which are unsold,’’ Rasheed said.

     

  • Navy dismisses rating found with Indian hemp

    The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday said it has dismissed a rating found in possession of 14.55 kg of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) and handed him over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.

    The Navy disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT Spokesperson, Lt. Elizabeth Ibrahim.

    She said the officer was dismissed after he was found guilty of the offence.

    The statement said, “On June 7, 2016, 0ne Ex- Seaman H. Umar X13555 was arrested for being in possession of about 14.55kg of illicit substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.

    “The ex- rating was summarily tried and the legal review of the trial indicated that the accused was properly charged and due process was complied with during the trial.

    “He was found guilty and dismissal was awarded to him for peddling of illicit drugs.

    “Accordingly, the ex- rating was handed over to the NDLEA for necessary action.

    “This is to inform the general public that the ex- rating is no longer a member of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Anyone who transacts business with him does so at his or her own risk.”

    NAN

     

     

  • Navy apprehends 9 suspected oil thieves in Delta

    Navy apprehends 9 suspected oil thieves in Delta

    The Nigerian Navy on Monday said it had apprehended nine suspected oil thieves in its ongoing “Operation Water Sweet” in Delta.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mohammed Garba, disclosed this to newsmen at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), DELTA, Warri Naval Base.

    He also said that about 42 illegal refining camps; 3,000 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil and 1,000 metric tons of illegally refined diesel were destroyed during the operation.

    Garba, who was flanked by the outgoing Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, and his successor, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, also said the feat was achieved in the last one week.

    He noted that the efforts of his men have significantly reduced the activities of criminals in the waterways.

    “Our experiences from the recently conducted Ex-Eagle Eye brought out the need to sustain operations against these criminal elements with more emphasis on illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and operation of illegal refineries.

    “I am pleased to announce that after a week of a persistent crackdown on the operators of these illegalities, our team has so far discovered and destroyed a total of 42 illegal refining camps.

    “Accordingly, about 3,000 MT of suspected stolen crude oil and 1,000MT of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO were destroyed in the operation, in line with extant regulations.

    “Also, 40 Cotonou boats, laden with suspected stolen crude, were set ablaze, a total of nine speedboats and 14 pumping machines were recovered from the operation.

    “The operation also led to several arrests, including three high-profile members of the criminals involved in pipeline vandalism,” he said.

    The naval boss said some of the criminals have been interrogated and handed over to the DIA, Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution.

  • AFN’s Technical Director retires from Nigerian Navy

    AFN’s Technical Director retires from Nigerian Navy

    omatseyeThe Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) Technical Director, Omatseye Nesiama, has retired from the Nigerian Navy after more than 32 years in service.

    Nesiama, who retired as a Commodore, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that he was grateful to God to have served the nation.

    “I now have my free time since God has given me the privilege of retiring with strength and health.

    “I am grateful to God for keeping me alive to this day, I am free and happier. I am proud to have served my country,’’ he said.

    Nesiama, 54, said his target now was to open a security and sports consulting firm, adding that he would also engage more in his religious obligations.

    “The retirement opens me up to other greater opportunities and areas of my passion for security and sports.

    “I am starting my business as a Private Security and Sports Consultant. I am also going to attend to my religious obligations of teaching in the church,’’ he said.

    On his retirement and position as the AFN Technical Director, he said: “It won’t affect my position which is until the end of the board’s tenure in April,’’.

    The Ughelli indigene, who joined the Navy in June 1984, said one major thing he would also remember was the force regimentation.

    “I will miss nothing more than the regimentation which I will maintain to some reasonable extent to help me achieve my goals,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Nesiama became AFN’s Technical Director in 2012, succeeding Sunday Bada who died in December 2011.

    He is a member of the Technical Committee, Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).

    He was in charge of the Security department of the maiden Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in 2016.

    Nesiama is married to Roli and they are blessed with two children.

  • Rivers: Navy deploys troops for special operation

    Rivers: Navy deploys troops for special operation

    The Nigerian Navy said on Wednesday that it had deployed troops to Rivers on a special operation code-named “Operation Rivers Sweep”.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. James Oluwole, disclosed this to newsmen on the sidelines of inauguration of residential quarters for troops in Port Harcourt.

    Oluwole said the deployment which began on Jan. 7 was aimed at tackling the rising activities of illegal bunkerers in Onne Local Government Area of the state.

    “Operation Rivers Sweep was activated on Jan. 7 to stem the tide of increasing and disturbing reports of illegal bunkering in Onne general area.

    “Over some months now, we have discovered that lots of illegal refineries are operating within the area with stealthily and specially designed dug-in canoes moving stolen petroleum products.

    “The supply chain starts from the illegal refineries which transport the illegally produced crude oil from dug-in canoes to bigger vessels that move the product out of Nigeria by sea.

    “Operation Rivers Sweep thus is focused on having a coordinated and well planned operation different from the routine patrols ongoing at our operational bases level,” he said.

    Oluwole said the ongoing operation would discover and destroy illegal refineries and other maritime crimes in Onne and environs.

    The FOC said that the Navy’s inability to prosecute suspected oil thieves partly affected the war on illegal oil bunkering.

    According to him, the battle against oil thieves was built on a tripartite arrangement which involved surveillance, enforcement and operation.

    “However, enforcement does not reside with the Navy because there are agencies that are statutorily empowered to do that.

    “We have done our job when we hand over investigation to agencies saddled with the responsibility to prosecute suspects,” he explained.

    Oluwole assured that the Navy would not relent in its efforts to rid the Niger Delta of oil thieves and criminality in the nation’s maritime environment.

  • Navy restate commitment to personnel welfare, fetes junior ranks

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Friday reiterated its commitment to improved welfare of its personnel and their families, particularly the lower ranks.

    The Flag Officer Commanding,  (FOC) Naval Training Command  (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, stated this at this year’s Ratings Party, held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA parade ground.

    He noted that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, had directed that the party be held simultaneously across the country, to appreciate the Ratings for their excellent performance this year.

    He said the NN was vigorously pursuing improved accommodation, health care services and better working condition for its personnel, adding that all the items were captured in the CNS’ Strategic Guidance.

    He said: “The welfare of the personnel is paramount. We do not joke with it. We take care of their accommodation, health and we give them good enabling environment to work seamlessly and ensure that the ships they work in are in order.

    “It is traditional in the NN that at the end of each year, a party is organised for all personnel beginning with the Ratings’ party to appreciate all they have done and all their efforts in defence of territorial integrity.

    “We use the opportunity to also tell their families that the navy appreciates all they do. The CNS directed we conduct end of year party for all the Ratings.

    “For the coming year, we expect that they do not relent in their efforts. They should be more committed so that Nigerians would know that we are well capable to protect our territorial space. They should ensure that commerce takes place without any kind of criminality in our waters.”

     

  • Buhari pledges support for Navy, inaugurates 30 vessels

    Buhari pledges support for Navy, inaugurates 30 vessels

    In his first working visit to Lagos since assumption of office, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday pledged continuous support for the Nigerian Navy (NN).

    He stated this at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, during the inauguration of 30 vessels newly added in the navy’s fleet.

    Among the vessels were the second Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) indigenously constructed, NNS KARADUWA, NNS UNITY built to specification in China, a tugboat, UGWU and 27 other back water boats.

    Noting that the nation was in recession, Buhari urged the navy to remain prudent in the management of resources, adding that they should look inwards to construct and improvise some vital operational tools.

    The President commended the navy for building two out of the three ships that were commissioned.

    At the event were Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Minister for Defence, Mohammed Dan-Ali, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and his Works, Health and Science and Technology counterparts, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Prof. Isaac Adewale and Ogbonnaya Onu respectively.

    Others included the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade, heads of military, police and other security agencies in Lagos, retired service chiefs, Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, Dele Ezeoba and Usman Jibrin, as well as Director General, NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside, among others.

    Buhari said: “It is most fulfilling to note that our own engineers at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard, Lagos and the Naval Shipyard, Port Harcourt are wholly responsible for the building of the Seaward Defence Boat, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA and the Tugboat COMMANDER EDWIN UGWU, respectively. It is also worth noting that NNS UNITY, which is Nigeria’s newest warship, is the second of such acquisitions from the Peoples’ Republic of China.

    “The Nigerian Navy had shown great foresight in nurturing the vision for NNS Unity and her sister ships. It is comforting that efforts were not confined to using foreign sources alone, but in mobilising local complements.

    “The Federal Government expects no less from you as looking inwards is the way to go amidst a uniquely challenging mix of recession and rising acute security concerns.”