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Tag: Nigerian Navy

  • Nigerian Navy warns against fake recruitment exercise

    The Nigerian Navy Tuesday warned Nigerians to beware of fraudsters impersonating Naval Officials on fake and fraudulent recruitment exercise.

    In a statement signed by its Director of Information, Navy Commodore Ayo Olugbode, the Nigerian Navy advised prospective applicants into the service not to have any dealings with any one demanding money for enlistment into the institution.

    Read Also:Navy shuts illegal maritime academy

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Navy has been drawn to the activities of fraudsters impersonating as Nigerian Navy enlistment agents and fraudulently extorting money from unsuspecting Nigerians.

    “Prospective applicants for the Nigerian Navy Direct Short Service Commission are strongly advised not to have any dealings with anyone who demands money as a guarantee for enlistment into the Nigerian Navy.

    “The General public is please reminded that enlistment and selection process into the Nigerian Navy Direct Short Service Commission is free and without any form of gratification. Prospective applicants are to access the guidelines for the Nigerian Navy Direct Short Service Commission enlistment on the Nigerian Navy Enlistment Portal, www.joinnigeriannavy.com which opened on 3 October 2018 for interested candidates to apply online.

    “Applicants are to call 08062090473 and 08033063694 between 0800 and 1700 hours only or email nners@outlook.com for technical support.”

  • Court bonds make fight against oil theft difficult – Nigerian Navy

    The Nigerian Navy has lamented the negative effect of unbridled granting of court bonds to offending oil vessel, noting they are impeding fight against oil theft.

    Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, who spoke while handing a vessel arrested with illegal oil consignment arrested around the Escravos Bar, over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said criminals are now taking advantage of what they consider a legal loophole.

    Speaking to journalists on board of the impounded vessel, MT Skye, Dewu recalled that the vessel had been arrested by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in 2014, but was released on bond by a court in Port Harcourt, River state, for the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to dispose off of the products.

    However, according to the navy chief, just like in some other cases, the crew of the vessel decided to execute other plans by taking the vessel out of its outlined course, take in more illegal products. It was in this process that they vessel was rearrested in the Delta waters, far from its original route.

    “This vessel; MT Skye, was arrested off Escravos Bar. The same vessel had been arrested by Operation Delta Safe in 2014, handed over to the EFCC and tried for the offence. However, the vessel was released on bond by a court in Port Harcourt. Operation Delta Safe released this vessel with about 388 metric tons of crude oil on board with a bond for DPR to sell the product and return the money into the federal government’s coffers.

    “However, this vessel was arrested with products of about 505 metric tons on board, according to the Captain of the vessel. On investigation, after the arrest, we realized that this vessel has 524 metric tons on board in seven out of the 12 compartments of the vessel. On further investigation, shockingly too, we discovered that 5 out of the 7 compartments have AGO on board.

    Read Also: Nigerian Navy varsity opens to 450 students

    “Now there are a lot of inconsistencies; the same vessel, according to the crew, was supposed to go the high seas from Brass, on their way to Port Harcourt to dispose of the product after the court case, however, we found them off Escravos and they claimed to be having machinery problems, which led them to Escravos.

    “Secondly, this vessel was released with about 388 metric tons of product, only for us to find 524 metric tons and part of it being AGO, not just the crude which was released.

    “This is one of the problems that we’ve been encountering; vessels hiding under bonds to commit illegal activities. This vessel has been arrested this month. The vessel was arrested with 9 crew members, all Nigerians. While the investigation is ongoing, we are handing over now, we’ve done our own preliminary investigation, which is to prove that the products on board had no valid approval, that’s where the navy comes in”, Dewu said.

    Speaking on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Principal Detective Superintendent, Mr. Richard Ogberagha said the Agency expects to carry out a thorough investigation on the matter.

    Ogberagha stressed that officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR were already on ground taking samples saying, “We have started already”.

    In his words, “One, to determine the substance which is found in this vessel. Two, to determine the quantity of distance also found in the vessel. Three to also to determine if they have approval to carry whatever is inside the vessel and four, prosecution of all the parties involved.”

  • Navy inaugurates 16 new boats

    …Deploys platforms to Niger Delta, West African patrol

     

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Monday added 16 new boats, including two  110 MKII Fast Patrol Crafts (FPC), NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU to its fleet.

    Also inducted were four 72MKII Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC)- NNS GONGOLA, NNS OSE, NNS CALABAR, and NNS SHIRORO- and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.

    These boats, the navy said, would be deployed to protect critical oil installations in the Niger Delta as well as for joint operations, patrols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Zone E.

    The Nation reports that the two 110 MKII FPC, NNS NGURU and NNS EKULU are named after towns in Yobe and Rivers States, and manned by Commanders Emmanuel Fingesi and Andrew Zidon respectively.

    Built by the Ocea crew in France, the River Town Class FPCs have an overall length of 35m, with a water line length of 29.80m; overall beam of 7.10m, maximum draft of 1.80m and midship moulded depth of 3.50m. Their operation profile include a cruising speed of 12knots, maximum speed of 35knots and crew of 36 including nine commissioned officers.

    The latest additions had increased the navy’s platforms acquisition in the last two years to over 200, said the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas.

    Noting that the NN has the challenging task of safeguarding the country’s maritime interests, Ibas said the service, in keeping with the realities, conduct frequent re-invention.

    He said: “The acquisition of the six new OCEA FPC and 10 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS) will narrow the capability gaps in enhancing security of the nation’s maritime expanse.

    “Their commissioning and induction respectively into service is therefore another operational milestone for the NN as they will complement existing Maritime Domain Awareness Capability in the face of its inherent need for a potent interdiction capability.

    Read Also: Navy shuts down 150 illegal refineries

    “I must however be quick to observe that, despite this commendable stride, we have barely scratched the outstanding deficit in the NN fleet. Capacity building therefore is a running priority of the NN. The NN continues to apply its double pronged approach of platform sourcing from both foreign shipyards and local manufacturing.

    “Domestically, local boat building associates like messrs Epenal Boat Builders and John Holt Plc which have accounted for the delivery of over 200 boats in the past, continue to be patronised. The NN dockyard remains productively engaged as it is on course for the delivery of a third straight Seaward Defence Boat (SDB), now a 42 meter boat.

    “Internationally, the construction of the 20 additional RHIBS with Messrs Suncraft has reached an advanced stage, with the recent second milestone inspection reporting their possible delivery on schedule and within the next few months.

    “Furthermore, efforts are ongoing towards acquiring more fast patrol vessels for littoral waters up to the EEZ, while the construction of a hydrographic vessel and landing ship would further reinforce the NN’s regional maritime dominance.

    “They will help to make life more difficult for the criminals in our maritime space. Their coming is also deemed quite timely as it would widen the nation’s options to make a robust contribution to multinational collaboration of countries of ECOWAS ‘ Multinational Maritime Coordination Zone E, comprising Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo and Niger.

    Only last week, these countries signed to a combined operation platform to suppress piracy, hijacking and hostage taking, including IUUF and other abuses of our waters. These boats and others could find for themselves, critical roles in this regard.”

    Also at the event were Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Usani, Inspector General of Police (IG) Ibrahim Idris, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Isa Misau, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Navy, Abdulsamad Dasuki, Director General, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala-Usman, heads of military, paramilitary institutions in Lagos as well as captains of industries.

    Inaugurating the platforms, Dan-Ali said the nation was challenged by multi-faceted threats from both continental and maritime fronts with grave manifestations and increasing threats to maritime security.

    He said crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and attack on strategic oil installations have complicated the nation’s maritime security environment and threatened with dire consequences, the overall wellbeing of the nation.

    “For a littoral state with huge dependence on her offshore resources, maritime security is vital to the nation’s well-being. Against this background of threats the entire nation would invariably be at risky situation if we do not insist on a motivated and virile navy like ours.

    “The induction of the platforms is in line with the current administration’s promise to keep our nation safe. This commissioning ceremony is yet another demonstration of this administration’s resolve of protecting the nation’s maritime domain through the provision of appropriate military platforms and operating equipment.

    “Additionally, it is crucial that we make progress in the provision of peace and order in our maritime domain. The dependence of the nation’s economy on offshore resources as well as the enormous potentials of the maritime sector to contribute to national food security and employment generation makes this highly imperative.

    “The procurement of these vessels by the Ministry of Defence again demonstrates this administration’s unwavering commitment and willingness towards strengthening the Navy through provision of modern operating equipment and infrastructure,” said Dan-Ali.

  • Theft at Tompolo’s yard: Navy to court martial 3 personnel

    The Nigerian Navy has constituted a court martial to try three of its personnel allegedly involved in the vandalism and theft of equipment from one of the property confiscated from ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, in Warri.

    The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Saleh Usman, who disclosed this to journalists at the end of a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta base in Warri on Monday added that the Navy had concluded its investigation into the matter.

    The Navy chief, however, assured that the suspects were going to face justice as required, adding that there is no need for fears that the force might give undue protection to the suspects. He said if they are found guilty, they would be dismissed and handed over to the police for further civil prosecution.

    “The facility was seized by the federal government and the Navy has been taking care of the place. We deployed officers and men to the place. We also informed the Police in the general area to put an eye on it. Some people were caught. Those who are our personnel are already undergoing court martial. The civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority.” He said.

    “We all know that there is no institution without bad eggs. To ensure the image of the Navy is not soiled, we have instituted a martial committee to try the suspects. They are currently in detention now, so if after their trial and they are found guilty, we will dismiss and hand them over to the police for prosecution.

    Read Also: Nigerian Navy preaches non-violence

    “In the next two weeks, the court martial will start sitting and the outcome of the trial will be made public, that I can assure you. We will not cover anybody up. We have our integrity to protect too”, he said.

    Taking a review of his time as the FOC of the Central Naval Command, Usman observed that some achievements were recorded, especially in the fight against oil theft and illegal oil refining, as well as in keeping the area under his command safe for maritime and other lawful activities.

    “The Central Naval Command Area of Responsibility is notorious for a lot of illegal activities such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy and sea robbery.

    “The Command under my watch confronted these illegalities through constant patrols of the waterways and creeks by the bases and ships. The efforts of units under my command have helped tremendously in curtailing these menace including threats to oil platforms and installations”, he said.

  • Nigerian Navy varsity opens to 450 students

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) has announced the take-off of academic programmes at the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) in October.

    A total of 450 civilian and military personnel are expected to start as pioneer students of the institution that would train them in cyber security and forensic sciences to solve security challenges in the country.

    Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas, said arrangement in terms of infrastructure, security, facilities as well as manpower had been put in place to start academic activities at the institution’s permanent site in Ibusa, Delta State, as well as other campuses in Lagos State, Calabar, Cross River State, and Sapele, also in Delta State.

    Addressing reporters at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Navy in Abuja alongside members of the Governing Board of the institution, Ibas said the university was established using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Nigerian Navy and Hellenic Education, an international educational organisation.

    He said the university was “conceived to expand the frontiers of knowledge for the growth and development of humanity, meet the training needs of the Nigerian Navy along with those of their sister services with reduced travel abroad for training and the pressures it imposed on foreign exchange”.

    Ibas, who was represented at the briefing by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral  Henry Babalola, said: ” Admission of students into the inaugural class is already ongoing and the university opens in October 2018, with degree programmes in three faculties -Arts and Social Sciences, Management Sciences, and Science, offering pioneer degree programmes in emerging fields, such as Forensic Science, Cyber Security, and Software’ Engineering.

    “The faculties of Medicine, Engineering, Law and Pharmacy are planned to commence in 2019. At full capacity, ADUN will deliver undergraduate, graduate, prost-graduate degree and certificate programs in nine faculties on four campuses its main campus in Ibusa as well as additional campuses in Lagos, Sapele and Calabar.”

    “The permanent University campus, along the Ibusa-Ugwashi-Uku Express Way, near Asaba, Delta State, is fully equipped with all academic infrastructure, science labs, computer facilities, student residential cafeteria and restaurant sports grounds, a fully equipped Health Center as well as providing comfortable en-suite hostels for all students.”

    Ibas said students would get internship opportunities and exchange programmes both home and abroad.

  • NASS okays trust fund for Navy, maritime security

    The National Assembly has empowered the Nigerian Navy (NN), to establish a trust fund, to be known as Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund.

    The National Assembly also established the Maritime Security Operation Coordinating Board.

    The Fund is meant to promote the development of indigenous ship acquisition, ship building, ship repair and capacity development of providing financial assistance to Nigerian operators in the coastal and inland commercial activities.

    This followed the adoption of the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration’s report on the amendment bill to the Act establishing the Maritime Operations Coordinating Board.

    The bill stipulates that five percent of the fund shall be earmarked and applied to the Maritime Security Fund for maritime safety and security.

    The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime had recommended that the board should establish and maintain a fund which shall be provided by the federal government from time to time, while one percent of funds derived by Maritime Fund accruing to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under the NIMASA Act.

    Also, proceeds of sales, by auction of forfeited vessels or goods, gifts, loans, aids and such other assets that may from time to time specifically accrue to the Maritime Security Fund.

    The recommendation was passed and has received concurrence of the Senate.

    The House had in a landmark move, passed an amendment to the Act establishing the Maritime Operations Coordinating Board, to allow the Navy access one percent of the Maritime Fund, to better address its funding challenges.

    The amendment reconstitutes the board and includes the navy as a member.

    The Chairman of the Committee on Maritime Mohammed Bago (APC, Niger), presenting the report, said the navy would now be able to enhance its capacity to better police the Maritime environment and protect the Nigeria’s maritime territorial integrity.

    According to Bago, the amendment became necessary in the face of dwindling budgetary allocations to the Navy, and the urgent need to properly funded.

    He said: “The passage of this amendment is a sign of our commitment, working with the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, to ensure better funding for the navy, considering its economic benefits to securing Nigeria’s waterways and make the country more resilient to internal and external aggression.”

    Dasuki said the proportion of the total allocation to the Navy, to the national budget in 2015, was 1.73 percent, but dropped to 1.41 percent in 2016, 1.25 percent in 2017 and further to 1.11 percent in the 2018 appropriation bill.

    “In 2017, out of the over N26b allocated to the Navy’s capital projects, only about N15b was released. For overhead, over N4 billion was appropriated and N2.3b was released.

    “This is unacceptable. For instance, seven patrol vessels on 24 hour surveillance for 30 days will consume diesel worth N1b,” he said.

     

  • Navy arrest rice smugglers, impounds over 400 bags of rice

    The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state has apprehended five suspected rice smugglers.

    Navy officials also seized 444 bags of smuggled rice in addition to a 52-foot canoe, two 40 BP Yamaha outboard engines, water pumping machine, fire extinguisher and 80 empty drums.

    The Commanding Officer, Forward Operation, Ibaka Navy Captain Yusuf Idris gave the names of the suspects as Victor Esin, 30; Uchenna Lozoigbo, 34; Emmanuel Bassey, 25; Godwin Ating, 34, and Charles James.

    Idris were said the suspects were arrested in their mid-journey into the Nigerian territorial water.

    He the suspects and the seized items have been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and prosecution on Tuesday.

    Speaking, Idris warned perpetrators of smuggled items into the country to desist from the illicit affairs, adding that NN will not relent in apprehending and handling and such suspects to appropriate agency for prosecution.

    Read Also: We’re coming after you, Navy tells rice smugglers

    He added that the command would do everything within its constitutional responsibility to frustrate the efforts of smugglers by seizing even the least number of any smuggled items into Nigeria.

    He said, “In line with the harmonized standard procedures, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, is here with our sister agency from the Nigeria Customs Service to hand over 444 bags of rice with five crew members on board the vessel that are suspected to have been smuggled into the country from the Republic of Cameroon.

    “The existing synergy between the NN and the NCS is very cordial and with both sides willing, undeterred and ever ready to collaborate in our efforts to rid the Nigerian maritime environment of all illegalities and criminal activities.

    “It is in that spirit today that I will also be handing over these items and suspects to the Chief Superintendent of the NCS, Mr. John Olutola, who is representing the Comptroller, Eastern Marine Command, Mr. Elton Edorhe.”

    Edorhe confirmed of taking over the suspects as well as the other items.

    He, however, assured NN that as they have taken over the suspects, they would do proper documentation on the seized goods, investigate the matter further with a view to prosecuting the offenders.

    “I can assure you that as we have taken over those suspects and the exhibits, we will do proper documentation and investigate and prosecution.

    “The smugglers were just adamant otherwise, I believe by now they would have desist from the illicit trade,” he said.

  • Navy sensitises Delta community against oil theft

    The Nigerian Navy has introduced community sensitisation into its fight against oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil, starting with Ugbodede community in Warri South council area of Delta state.

    The Navy, led by the commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, engaged the community over the weekend at the town hall, during a meeting with some council officials, as well as members of the community.

    Ugbodede, an Itsekiri enclave, which is host to a crude oil wellhead, divested by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) few years ago, had allegedly become siphoning point for crude oil thieves.

    Addressing the gathering, the commander noted that while the illegal activities are carried out by strangers, they are done with the connivance of some community members.

    He therefore, charged the people to ensure their area is secured from perpetrators of the illegal act, just as he warned that his command will not hesitate to clamp down on all players, including community members, if caught in the act in the future.

    “The ongoing war against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism is not just about protecting the wealth of the nation but also the wellbeing of the people in the various communities where these criminal acts are being perpetrated.

    “I’m aware that these criminal acts are being perpetrated by outsiders who invade these communities with their equipment and expertise but I also know that they carry out these crimes in connivance with community indigenes, especially their leaders and youths who they sometimes engage on the job.

    “I’ve come here today to appeal to you all to be more alive to the responsibility of securing your community from those strangers carrying out this crime. I would have engaged a more drastic measure but I was advised to come and talk to you all first.

    Read Also:Navy seizes 100,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, arrests eight in Calabar

    “We (Navy) were here not too long to dismantle the pipes and valves used by these criminals to carry out the siphoning of crude oil from that wellhead in your community but report reaching us revealed that the people perpetrating this illegality in your community are back in business again,” he said.

    Speaking further, Commodore Dewu warned “this would be the very last time I’ll be coming to engage you all in discussions, when next I get information that your community is being used to carryout out this crime without resistance or alert to security agencies, I won’t be this nice.”

    The community had become a beehive of activities for members of the syndicate that specialise in crude oil theft, operating within the axis who ran long pipes through the community before clamping valves on the Wellhead from where they siphoned tons of crude oil barrels daily.

    Responding, the Trust Chairman of Ugbodede, Mr. William Cheke, called for deliberations with the management of NPDC in order to reason out a workable solution to the problem.

    Cheke, who commended the NNS Delta and council officials for the forewarning rather than taking the community unawares, assured that his people will seize allowing outsiders to come into the community to carryout illegal bunkering activities.

    “Let me assure you Sir, that with this visit today it will no longer be business as usual for strangers who infiltrate our community to steal crude oil. Let me say that from today, illegal bunkering has officially come to an end in Ugbodede community”, Cheke promised.

  • Naval Chief warns personnel against unprofessional conducts

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, has warned personnel of the Nigerian Navy against any form of unprofessional conducts while discharging their duties.

    He also charged officers and men of the service to remain loyal to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Admiral Ibas who sounded the warning shortly after the 2nd Quarter Route March of the Nigerian Navy at Mogadishu Military Cantonment, Abuja, said the Nigerian Navy has been a formidable partner in the internal security architecture of the country and therefore expects her personnel to be above board in the discharge of their responsibilities.

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    “To this end, I enjoin you all to exhibit these duties diligently and with utmost professionalism with due regard to human rights violation,” the Naval Boss stated.

    Represented at the Route March by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Bee Ibe Enwo, the Naval Chief maintained that Naval personnel should “not engage in acts of indiscipline or taking the laws into your hands in the line of duty.”

    Admiral Ibas further urged the personnel to remain steadfast and vigilant while carrying out their responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the country, stating that the personnel should show unflinching support for the nation’s democracy and constituted authority.

    He said the route march was aimed at show casing operational efficiency and combat readiness of personnel of the Navy as such were predicated  on mental and physical  fitness of the armed forces.

    Admiral Ibas assured that the Nigerian Navy would continue to work hand in hand with other security agencies in the country to maintain the peace and security of the country.

     

  • Truck owners groan over increasing Apapa gridlock

     The Chairman, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, says the gridlock on Apapa port access road is increasing and adversely affecting haulage.

    Ogungbemi told our reporters in Lagos on Monday that many directives by government agencies in controlling the gridlock had not helped the situation.

    According to him, the traffic congestion has become a national embarrassment and a solution to it should be the priority of all port users.

    “Apapa traffic has become a perennial problem with no solution in sight.

    “We have had orders from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council and other agencies, to no avail.

    Read Also: Apapa gridlock: Naval, police operatives clash

    “The trucks are still there for days and weeks; either waiting to be loaded or to drop empty containers.

    “My members are the ones at the receiving end; as they waste several man-hours daily.

    “Their trucks could no longer make several trips a week as they managed to go only a trip per week,’’ Ogungbemi said.

    He added that the situation was affecting the Presidential directive on Ease of Doing Business at ports.

    Ogungbemi advised the stakeholders to stop the blame game and come up with a practicable template to solve the problem.

    He said that the solutions to the traffic problem would be enforcement and attitudinal change on the part of all port users.

    According him, if all agencies and stakeholders at ports can come together and brainstorm, there will be lasting solutions to the traffic problem.

    NAN