The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Navy

  • Navy marks anniversary

    Celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the Nigerian Navy have kicked off in earnest.

    The Nation gathered that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas would host top military and para-military institutions, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and top political leaders in the country during the celebration.

    The celebration would be marked in the five Commands of the Navy located in the Southwest, Southsouth and Southeast part of the country.

    Briefing Journalists on the activities lined up for the celebration at the Navy Headquarters, Abuja, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ete-Ibas, reviewed the policy thrust of the Navy in the past one year especially as it relates to maritime domain awareness, fleet recapitalisation as well as exercises and operations.

    He said the Navy has within the last one year acquired a total of 179 assorted boats as a way of recapitalising its fleet to respond to increasing security challenges in the nation’s maritime domain while about 42 ships engaged in illegal activities in the maritime domain were impounded.

    Admiral Ete-Ibas said six of the 179 boats are OCEA Fast Patrol Boats acquired recently from France and would soon be inaugurated into the Naval Fleet.

    “These boats have gone a long way in bolstering NN capacity to police and carry out survey of Nigeria’s maritime environment”, he added.

    He noted that 173 of the assorted boats include Epenal Boats, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, and Hydrographic Survey Boats.

    Represented by the Chief of Transformation, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Begroy E. Ibe-Enwo, the Naval Boss stated that the theme of this year’s Naval Week: “Enhancing an Integrated Maritime Strategy For Security in the Gulf of Guinea” was deliberately chosen given the focus of the Navy on various operations that would ensure effective security of the nation’s maritime domain.

    He said the 2018 Naval Week Celebrations would be carried out in the 5 Commands between  May 23rd to June 1st, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogora would be the Special Guest at a Special Programme to commemorate this year’s edition at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos.

    According to him, about seven countries including United States of America, China, Portugal, Ghana, Cameroun, and Togo would also participate in a military exercise to mark the event, while the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen in Akwa Ibom State would be commissioned on May 23, 2018.

    Admiral Ibas said other activities lined up for the programme include a Jummat Prayer, an Interdenominational Church Service, a Medical Rhapsody and the opening of some Naval Ships to visitors.

    He said, “The Nigerian Navy has been unrelenting in its operations to protect the nation’s maritime environment against all forms of threats to the country’s interests. In this regard, the NN routinely carries out surveillance and patrol of the maritime area with available surveillance systems, ships and helicopters.

    “Such policing operations are specifically aimed at checking crude oil theft, illegal

    bunkering, piracy/sea robbery and illegal fishing among others.

    “Operation Tsare Teku and River Sweep are ongoing operations to address illegalities in the Blue and Brown waters respectively.  I am delighted to inform you that in spite of daunting challenges, the NN is encouraged by the success it has recorded so far.

    “Available records show that in the last one year, the NN has sustained aggressive patrol within the nation’s maritime environment covering over 22,000 hours.

    “In the process at least 42 vessels have been arrested for involvement in various illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime domain and undergoing various stages of investigations and prosecutions. Furthermore, the NN personnel are involved in various Internal Security operations in the coastal states of the Federation and some other states including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Plateau states amongst others.

    “I am also to emphasise that the Nigerian Navy is aware of the current state of sooth over Port-Harcourt and environs.

    “Currently, action is being taking to address this concern which is inclusive of stakeholders’ engagement and the establishment of a dedicated task force to address the matter. Very shortly the issue will be effectively dealt with, to bring lasting solution.”

     

  • Navy impounds barge with suspected stolen diesel

    The Nigerian Navy  on Wednesday  said it seized a large tug boat and barge carrying  suspected illegally refined petroleum product.

    The Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Rivers, Capt. Suleiman Olorundare, made the disclosure of the arrest and seizure to the News Agency of Nigeria

    Olorundare said the troops also arrested the all-male six-member crew.

    He said that naval investigators were yet to conclude with preliminary investigation to ascertain the source of the product,  supplier and receiver of the petroleum product.

    “On Feb. 6, a tug boat, MV Mabel II and barge, Paradi, were intercepted by troops on night patrol at Bonny waters in the state.

    “When troops boarded the tug boat and barge, they found six crew members of Nigerian nationality and petroleum product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel),’’ he said.

    Olorundare said the arrest and seizure were conducted in line with the  directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas,  to stop illegalities in the nation’s maritime environment.

    “The petroleum product will be evacuated and measured in a conducive environment to avoid environment degradation.

    “The barge is 1,000 metric tonnes (1 million litres) in size. We have been unable to authenticate the quantity of the content due to unavailability of calibration chart,” he said.

    Olorundare also said the navy was winning the fight against oil thieves, illegal bunkers, sea robbers and pirates operating in  Rivers maritime domain.

    He warned criminals to steer  clear of waterways and assured merchant traders of their safety while carrying out their legitimate activities in the area.

    The commanding officer later handed the tug boat, barge, petroleum product and suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    An  EFCC official, Abdulhamid Bawa, said the commission would conduct speedy investigation into the matter.

    According to him, the suspects will be arraigned and if found culpable  would be appropriately dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

    The captain of MV Mabel II, Lucky Emmanuel, told NAN that the diesel was lifted in the state.

    Emmanuel claimed they were hired  and were  on their way to deliver the petroleum product to Stendle Limited  in Port Harcourt when they were arrested by naval personnel.

    The suspect admitted to the crime and pleaded for  leniency.

    Also read : NNPC GMD: Azikel Refinery’ll address local needs

  • Navy pledges support for grassroots sports in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian Navy has pledged continued support for grassroots sports in host communities as part of plans to curb youth restiveness and insecurity in the Niger Delta.

    Commodore Idi Abbas, the Commander of Naval Anti-Piracy Task Group, Port Harcourt, gave the pledge on the side-lines of a friendly football match organised by the Navy in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    The newsmen reports that the football match between personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship ( NNS ) Pathfinder and Osklean Football Academy Rumuolumeni ended in a draw.

    Abbas said the match was organised to improve fitness of troops; address youth restiveness and promote peace in its Rumuolumeni, the host community.

    “The NNS Pathfinder organised the football match to keep our personnel fit, knowing fully that it is only when the personnel are fit that they will effectively deliver on the job.

    “The other reason is to further foster that cordial relationship of officers and ratings of the base and the host community.

    “This is just the beginning and it is hoped that other games would be looked into with participation of the host community.

    “By doing this, the naval base will get to know its host community and the community members will also get to know their own neighbours,” he said.

    Abbas said there are plans to expand the games to feature other sporting events like volleyball and basketball, saying that the base had excellent sporting facilities to host future games.

    The commander advised the participating teams to use the game to sharpen their skills to stand a chance of representing the country in further sporting events.

    Read Also: Navy intercepts vessel with 406 illegal immigrants

    Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuolumeni community, Eze Ndubueze Olumeni, commended the Navy for organising the games with the host community.

    He said that community members had always looked forward to socialize with the naval base since it came into the community 25 years ago.

    “This is a naval base and not a civilian environment, and so, it has been difficult for our people to feel free to enter here for any activity.

    “We appreciate this type of event and we hope that if we continue like this; our relationship will improve and everyone will be happy for it.”

    NAN

  • Navy probes officer over allegation of abduction

    The Nigerian Navy has reacted to allegation of abduction levelled against one of its officers, Commander O A Oyetoyan, saying it has contacted the individual concerned and investigations on the matter on-going.

    A statement by the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Ayo Olugbode said the “NN abhors and takes matters of assault seriously.”

    Commodore Olugbode said: “The attention of the Nigerian Navy (NN) has been drawn to a tweet on the official twitter handle of the NN by one Mr Ajayi Adesanmi who allegedly accused a Naval Officer identified as Commander OA Oyetoyan of abducting his wife and issuing threats to his family members.

    “This is to inform the general public that the NN abhors and takes matters of assault seriously. Consequently, the NN has contacted the individuals concerned and investigations with other security agencies are ongoing on the case.

    “The Nigerian Navy is assuring the general public that it will not hesitate to mete severe sanctions on any personnel found to have compromised the rights of any citizen.”

    Read Also: Nigerian Navy, 24 others join forces against piracy

  • Nigerian Navy, 24 others join forces against piracy

    The Nigerian Navy and her counterparts from 24 other countries on Thursday commenced a multinational sea exercise against piracy, oil theft and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG).

    The exercised codenamed OBANGAME EXPRESS 2018, was initiated by the United States in 2010, to boost capacity of West and Central African nations’ navies in tackling vessel hijack and hostage taking at sea.

    At least 12 of the participating navies are from the GOG nations, while 11 are from countries in Europe and America including United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, France, The Netherlands and U.S.

    Also, participating in the exercise are the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECAS), US Africa Command, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency  (NIMASA), Federal Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Justice, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), among others.

    This year’s exercise would stretch from Angola through Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and then to Nigeria before collapsing at Cote D’Ivoire, with each country staying within their territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).

    Flagging off Nigeria’s phase of the exercise at Onne Port, Rivers State, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said the Nigeria Navy deployed four vessels and two helicopters for this year’s exercise, adding that the deployment was done in line with navy’s core expectations.

    Ibas, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation (CTRANS), Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo, said the navy would carry out at least four exercise scenarios, adding that the French and Portuguese navies would have join simulations within the nation’s territorial waters.

     

  • Navy pledges support to Niger on security

    The Nigerian Navy says it will assist the Niger Government in tackling transnational crimes in Shagunu community of Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

    Commodore Olu Bankole, the Command Operations Officer, who led a delegation to the state, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen shortly after he held a closed-door meeting with Gov. Abubakar Bello in Minna on Monday.

    Bankole said the assistance was based on the request of the governor to the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to assist the state to provide security in the area due to its proximity to Kainji.

    He said that a Navy Secondary School would be established to add leverage to the people with interest to join the Nigerian Navy and serve as surveillance in the state.

    He said that the school would serve as an occasional base to provide security in the area, especially maritime security.

    “We are here based on the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff to have a look at the place and advise on how the Navy can start a base, particularly in Shagunu in Borgu.

    “Navy is keen on establishing a base in the area because there is need to provide security in the area,” he said.

    The command operations officer said the presence of maritime security in the area would improve social-economic activities and improve security as the area was a gateway to other three countries.

    He said that the school would commence as soon as infrastructure was developed and put in place.

    NAN

  • Lagos bridges: Navy begins enforcement of quit order on tanker drivers

    Truck drivers on bridges around Apapa area of Lagos were on Monday forced to make U-turn after the Nigerian Navy commenced enforcement of the quit order.

    The military and state government had last Wednesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to truck drivers to vacate all bridges in the state, citing security and safety concerns.

    Although some of the drivers immediately adhered to the directive and relocated to other roads and inner streets, others dismissed the directive, claiming they had nowhere to go.

    Among those who refused to obey the directive were tanker and articulated truck drivers on Wharf Road, Marine Beach and Mile Two Bridge, who claimed they were on queue to enter the port.

    But with the commencement of enforcement order, the navy asked the drivers to return to their parks.

    All trucks earlier parked on the Mile Two Bridge had been evacuated, while those at Orile along the Badagry Expressway were being moved in batches.

    Also, heavy duty vehicles parked in Western Avenue, inward Apapa, were also making U-turn towards Costain.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah, said the navy would not allow any truck to stay on the bridges.

    He said the enforcement was being done in batches to prevent traffic gridlock across the state.

    Abbah said: “We are doing the enforcement in batches. If we cover all the bridges at once, there will be standstill in Lagos and we do not want that to happen.

    “My men worked at Berger and Otto Wharf axis today (Monday). All the trucks on the bridges up to Boundary have been moved. Those at Orile are being moved in batches of 10 or 20.

    “Also, we have ensured that there is no static truck on the bridge leading into Apapa from Western Avenue. We would go after those ones still on Eko Bridge.

    “The directive remains that we do not want trucks on Lagos bridges and we would not stop until they comply. I am meeting with the leadership of NUPENG and those of trailer drivers again on Tuesday.”

     

  • Navy confiscates 3,574 bags of smuggled rice in Calabar

    Navy confiscates 3,574 bags of smuggled rice in Calabar

    Naval personnel attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory in Calabar, have arrested a large wooden boat laden with 3,574 bags of foreign rice worth N53.6 million smuggled from Cameroon republic.

    They also arrested three suspects found in the boat that came from Cameroon and heading for Calabar.

    Commander of NNS Victory, Commodore Julius Nwagu, said on Thursday in Calabar that the arrest was made along the Calabar waterway in the early hours of Feb. 27, when they got information about the activities of the suspected smugglers.

    Addressing newsmen at the NNS Victory Jetty before handing over the items and suspects to the Nigerian Customs Service ( NCS ), Nwagu said that it took the command two and half  days to offload the bags of rice from the wooden boat.

    “In the early hours of Feb. 27, we got information about a boat laden with rice and my patrol team arrested the boat and three suspects on board. We brought the boat to base and offloaded the rice.

    “It took us two and a half days to offload the content. After counting, we got 3, 574 bags valued at N53.6million.

    “We will hand them over to the Nigerian Customs Service for further investigation and prosecution.

    “I want to tell the general public that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas will not leave any stone unturned in pursuing those involved in any form of criminality.

    “We in the Eastern Naval Command, particularly NNS Victory, are all out to fight criminality at any level,’’ Nwagu said.

    Mr Joshua Omachi, the Calabar Area Assistant Comptroller of Customs in charge of Marine Command, who received the items and suspects, commended the Navy for the feat.

    Omachi said that the rice would be evacuated to the government warehouse of the Customs Area Command in Calabar, while the suspects would be prosecuted.

    One of the suspects, Moses Azazi, told our reporter that they knew that what they had on board was a contraband.

    “We were bringing the rice from Cameroon and were arrested by the Navy. We are aware it was a contraband.

    “I don’t know the owner of the rice. We were just asked to transport it to Calabar from Kondo in Cameroon,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Navy to get five German boats

    Navy to get five German boats

    The German government has concluded arrangement to donate five Epenal Boats to the Nigerian Navy, the country’s Defence Attaché, Col. Thomas Brillisauer, said on Wednesday.

    He said the boats, which were built at the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, would be handed over to the Nigerian Navy in few weeks time to aid the service’s fight against Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU), oil theft and other maritime crimes.

    This came just as the navy said the country loses $70m to IUU annually.

    Brillisauer spoke during the visit of a delegation from the German Armed Forces General Staff College to the Western Naval Command (WNC) headquarters in Lagos.

    He said Germany was opened to the idea of donating more boats to the Nigerian Navy to boost its presence within the Niger Delta and the Lake Chad regions.

    He added that Epenal Boats were chosen because the navy already had similar ones in its fleet and understood its functionality.

    He said: “When it comes to bigger ships, we trained personnel in Germany to acquire necessary knowledge and then train their peers back in Nigeria.

    “We are not focusing on the rehabilitation of the NNS ARADU based on the discussion I had with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). Key focus now is on smaller ships in Nigeria’s territorial waters, rather than having one big one.

    “We will be handing over anytime soon, some Epenal Boats to the navy. We are in contact with Defence Headquarters and we agreed to partner in the field of medical and counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). We did not discuss about equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces with weapons.”

     

  • Navy trains personnel on arms handling, firing

    Navy trains personnel on arms handling, firing

    To ensure proficiency in the handling of small arms during internal security operations, the Nigerian Navy (NN) on Monday took over 100 operatives through a refresher firing exercise.

    Organised by the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Owode, Nigeria’s border community with Benin Republic, the Small Arms Firing Exercise (SAFEX) saw the personnel shooting weapons such as AK47, FN Riffle and Shooters and Gear (SnG) from 100 and 200 metres radius.

    According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, the training was necessary giving that naval operatives rarely handled light weapons.

    By nature of their constituonal roles, Ofodile said naval operatives were used to handling big weaponry mounted on warships.

    He said the aim was to prepare a formidable military, proficient in weapon handling and marksmanship, especially in the light of internal security challenges.

    He said: “SAFEX is a part of NN schedule of events for 2018. Also, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, has made it clear that all commands and units must be proficient in the firing of small arms.

    “It is assumed that at the point of entry in the navy, whether as an officer or the other ranks, we were taught to fire.

    “However, given our different deployments, we might not have been given the opportunity to continue to handle such weapons all the time.

    “So, this exercise would improve our proficiency in small weapons handling because by the nature of naval vessels, guns are mounted.

    “The navy basically has big guns onboard our warships like the 127MM and the 40MN that are onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Aradu. But when it comes to internal insecurity, small arms are more useful and so, our men must be up to their game at all times.

    “This is because the navy is very much involved in confronting these security challenges and weapons used are such as the FN rifle, AK47 and the SNG.

    “For you to be proficient and skillful in handling such, the importance of SAFEX comes to bear. Some of us finished our targets within the allotted time. However, even if you are 100 per cent good, you still need to brush up your skills.”