Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its role as a critical force in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, emphasizing its commitment to combating oil theft, piracy, and other maritime crimes. This was outlined in a recent statement highlighting the Navy’s accomplishments and future initiatives.

With an Exclusive Economic Zone spanning 84,000 square nautical miles and substantial oil and gas reserves, Nigeria’s maritime domain is vital to its economic stability. The Navy, guided by its statutory roles, has intensified operations to address security threats and create a conducive environment for economic growth. Its anti-oil theft measures, including intelligence-led patrols, Maritime Domain Awareness, and Choke Point Management, have yielded remarkable results.

Over the past four years, the Navy confiscated over 8.1 million barrels of stolen crude oil, 86,500 metric tons of illegally refined diesel, and 21 million liters of kerosene. Additionally, 392 suspected oil thieves were arrested, and over 1,500 illegal refining sites deactivated. These efforts have significantly boosted Nigeria’s daily crude oil production, which rose from 1.23 million barrels in October 2022 to 1.8 million barrels in October 2024.

The Navy has also fostered regional collaboration, hosting multinational exercises such as Crocodile Lift and Grand African Nemo, involving naval forces from countries like France, the UK, and Spain. These exercises aim to enhance international cooperation in combating maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

However, the Navy has faced challenges, including false allegations aimed at undermining its efforts. Incidents involving vessels like MT PRAISEL and MT LADY MARTINA were proven to be unfounded, as the Navy’s investigations upheld its operational integrity. Such disruptions, it stated, are detrimental to Nigeria’s oil sector and investment climate.

Looking ahead, the Nigerian Navy will host the 2024 Symposium of Heads of Navies of Gulf of Guinea countries from November 26 to 28 in Abuja. Themed “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea,” the event will focus on enhancing regional cooperation, maritime law enforcement, and the implementation of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

The Navy reaffirmed its dedication to professionalism and collaboration with stakeholders, emphasizing its role in ensuring maritime security and national development. It also expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would bolster the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s oil sector and attract increased investment.

As the Navy continues its mission, its leadership remains committed to a whole-of-society approach to protecting the nation’s resources and ensuring a secure maritime environment.

The Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibusa Campus, Delta State, celebrated its 3rd Convocation Ceremony on Friday, November 22, 2024. The event, which marked a significant milestone for the institution, was attended by dignitaries from academia and the military. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, as the Special Guest of Honour.

Established under the Private Universities Act CAP E3 in 2017, ADUN offers a range of academic programs across three faculties: Arts, Management and Social Sciences; Sciences; and Law. Courses include Accounting, Cyber-Security, Forensic Science, and International Relations, among others. Plans are also underway to introduce a Faculty of Engineering, which is currently undergoing verification.

During the convocation, 100 students were awarded degrees. Seven students achieved First Class honors, while 51 and 41 graduated with Second Class Upper and Lower honors, respectively. Only one student graduated with a Third Class degree.

The ceremony highlighted ADUN’s commitment to academic excellence and its growing reputation as a leading institution in Nigeria. The university also announced a recent reduction in tuition and fees, making education more accessible. Admissions are processed in compliance with National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines.

Members of the public are encouraged to consider ADUN for its quality education and comprehensive academic programs. The university continues to uphold its mission of fostering learning and innovation in Nigeria.

For more information about programs and admissions, visit ADUN’s official channels.

Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, has emphasized discipline, professionalism, and respect for civilians among Nigerian Navy personnel. Oamen made this call during his familiarization visit to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry and the Naval Base on Tongeji Island.

During the visit, Oamen underscored the need for officers to uphold integrity and maintain mutual respect with civilians, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to being a people-friendly organization. He reminded officers that their role was to serve and protect the populace without antagonism or brutality.

The FOC lauded the efforts of the FOB in combating illegal activities, including smuggling and human trafficking. “The FOB Badagry has been up and doing. They’ve assisted in anti-smuggling operations, supported Customs, and rescued over 50 young girls and boys from human trafficking. We are impressed with their efforts and will continue to support them,” Oamen stated.

In Tongeji Island, Oamen also addressed the strategic importance of the base to Nigeria’s national security, highlighting plans to enhance the Navy’s presence and operations on the island. He assured the community of the Navy’s commitment to ensuring safety and development in the area.

As part of his visit, Rear Admiral Oamen paid a courtesy call to His Royal Highness Jabiyesi Obabiolorunkosi Ikuku Sule I, the Akoko of Tongeji Island, and commended the peaceful coexistence between the Navy and the local community. He emphasized the Navy’s readiness to support the development and security of the island, stating, “By next year, you’ll see plenty of Navy activities here. This island should be a place everyone wants to visit.”

The traditional ruler, in turn, offered prayers and blessings for Oamen’s success in his official duties, highlighting the Navy’s significant contributions to the island’s security and welfare.

Rear Admiral Oamen reaffirmed the Chief of Naval Staff’s vision to expand naval operations under the Nigerian Navy’s Total Spectrum Strategy. He noted that Tongeji Island, as a border community, holds strategic importance for national security. “Our presence here will deter external threats and foster a secure environment for development,” he said.

The FOC concluded the visit by encouraging the officers and men of the Western Naval Command to continue their excellent work, assuring them of unwavering support from the Command.

This visit serves as a reinforcement of the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to professionalism, community collaboration, and national security.

Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Nigeria Customs Service, has disclosed how his strategic approach to anti-smuggling yielded over N10 billion worth of seizures in the first nine months of 2024. This represents a significant increase compared to the N1 billion seizures recorded during the same period in 2023.

Speaking at the sidelines of the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Shuaibu highlighted the combination of intelligence, collaboration, and uncompromising enforcement as the key factors driving the unit’s success.

He pledged to intensify operations during the Yuletide period, ensuring smugglers face tougher times ahead.

Shuaibu reported that the unit made 519 seizures from January to September 2024, covering items such as endangered species, fertilizers, foreign sugar, beverages, cigarettes, narcotics, petroleum products, and pharmaceuticals. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for these seizures amounted to ₦10,264,719,358.40, marking a 476% increase compared to the ₦1,780,860,809.01 recorded in 2023.

Shuaibu attributed the dramatic increase in seizures to a shift in operational strategy, emphasizing intelligence-driven enforcement over reliance on physical checkpoints. A notable success was the May 2024 interception of pangolin scales, donkey bones, and meat worth over ₦7 billion in Kebbi State, achieved through intelligence and coordinated operations.

The Unit also arrested 11 suspects linked to various customs offenses during this period. While some cases have been resolved, others are pending prosecution.

Shuaibu emphasized the importance of collaboration with government agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to combat smuggling. He initiated partnerships with law enforcement agencies and engaged community leaders to educate the public about the economic consequences of smuggling. Youth outreach programs and collaboration with NGOs were also part of the strategy to create awareness about the risks of illegal trade.

The unit streamlined its operations to align with international best practices, reducing checkpoints to facilitate legitimate trade while leveraging advanced intelligence techniques to combat smuggling. Shuaibu also highlighted the recognition of exemplary performance among officers, which he said motivates personnel to achieve better results.

To further the unit’s goals, Shuaibu partnered with the Red Cross Society of Nigeria for a retreat aimed at educating youth on climate change and the roles of the Nigeria Customs Service in national development.

As smugglers continue to devise new ways to evade the law, Shuaibu assured that his operatives remain prepared to counter their activities, particularly during the high-risk ember months.

He called for collective responsibility in tackling smuggling, noting its detrimental impact on Nigeria’s economy, industries, and employment.

Comptroller Shuaibu concluded by commending the support of traditional and community leaders, whose collaboration has significantly enhanced the unit’s effectiveness in securing the country’s borders.

He reiterated his commitment to leveraging the policy thrust of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, centered on innovation and collaboration, to achieve the unit’s mandate of trade facilitation and smuggling suppression.