Author: Dodo Elias Denen

  • Midnight Plot, Online Lure: Police Smash Alleged ₦7m Kidnap Ring in Cross River

    Midnight Plot, Online Lure: Police Smash Alleged ₦7m Kidnap Ring in Cross River

    The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged conspiracy and kidnapping in Yahe community, Yala Local Government Area, in a case that has sent shockwaves across the area.

    According to a situation report from the Yala Divisional Police Headquarters dated February 7, 2026, the incident was brought to police attention at about 6:00 p.m. by the Officer-in-Charge of Yahe Police Post, Supol Umar Kabiru.

    The report disclosed that in the early hours of February 6, 2026, around 4:00 a.m., members of the Yahe community vigilante group apprehended four suspects and brought them to the police station.

    The suspects were identified as Adedeji Goodluck (21), Sylvester Akpa (20), Chinonso Nwibo Emmanuel (25), and Richard Innocent (22), all reportedly of no fixed address.

    Preliminary police findings revealed that Chinonso Emmanuel and Adedeji Goodluck allegedly met online in August 2025 and maintained contact over time.

    Police further alleged that on February 5, 2026, Chinonso Emmanuel lured Goodluck from Abuja to Yahe community after allegedly sending him transport fare.

    Upon arrival in Yahe, the victim was reportedly taken to the residence of Sylvester Akpa, where Richard Innocent later joined them, and a meeting was allegedly held.

    Investigators alleged that the suspects subsequently kidnapped Goodluck, held him captive, and contacted his parents in Abuja, demanding a ransom of ₦7 million.

    The suspects were also accused of issuing threats to harm the victim if the ransom demand was not met, heightening tension within the community.

    The alleged plot was foiled after a good Samaritan alerted the local vigilante group, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects and their handover to the police.

    Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata said the suspects had been taken into custody, the victim rescued unhurt and placed under protective care, adding that investigations were ongoing and further details would be made available as the case unfolds.

  • No Safe Passage: Customs Draws the Line as Regional Tension Meets Election Season

    No Safe Passage: Customs Draws the Line as Regional Tension Meets Election Season

    Things are looking up at the Idiroko, Ogun 1 command. In the last six weeks of his assumption of office as the sheriff of the Customs command, the entire Ogun state where smuggling takes place has been charged up.

    Charged up in terms of hard policing, being a step higher than the economic saboteurs, in terms of intelligence to break several of the chains of their operations.

    Right now, the new man on the saddle, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni is combing the nooks and crannies of all the border fringes looking for economic saboteurs.

    Those who specialize in moving prohibited items into Nigeria through Ogun borders via Imeko axis and Ipokia are now taking cover outside the jurisdiction of the command.

    An independent investigation revealed that most of these smugglers are based in Benin Republic, using Nigeria to ferry assorted products narcotics, arms and ammunition, used vehicles, foreign parboiled rice as well as used clothes, using the country as a dumping ground.

    Knowing the geography of the entire terrain in his finger tips, the new Customs helmsman has drawn a red line against smugglers of all sorts.

    In his renewed war against this ill, Afeni not only measured up in intercepting uncustomed goods but have also oversight powers against smuggling of narcotics which is the primary responsibility of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Infact, as a matter of fact, in this January alone, the command intercepted more narcotics than the primary agency domiciled at the Border.

    It is obvious that the customs command also seized more narcotics than foreign parboiled rice in same January. Majority of Nigerians are aghast with the upsurge in narcotics trafficking.

    First, it has been established that smugglers make huge money from such imports, secondly, it is easier to smuggle in view of its light weight packaging, and thirdly, there is a ready market for it as the youths are prone to patronizing it lately.

    Afeni stated that the command’s focus for tightening anti-smuggling operations was majorly linked to the fact that drugs are central to criminality with all the collateral damage it can unleash to those who patronize it.

    Secondly, for security reasons and in view of the political instability in nearby Benin Republic, as well as the upcoming elections in Nigeria, the command has stepped up examination of all imports to ensure that arms and ammunition were not brought in under cover.
    This sounds very reasonable.

    And in view of the fact that the NDLEA at Idiroko does not look so efficient due to what the agency at the border described as lack of adequate facilities to work with, the customs comes in handy for the rescue.

    A visit to the NDLEA command at the Idiroko border to see the commander for his reaction on why the customs service seems to have been doing most of its responsibilities, the commander, Mr Ekundayo was said to be on official assignment in Lagos.

    But the Deputy Commander, Mr. Adeoyeoye said his command was just in charge of Idiroko and Ipokia while the customs command has the entire Ogun state as its jurisdiction, a factor for the huge narcotics seizure, according to him.
    In January alone, the Idiroko customs command intercepted more than 4,260 parcels of cannabis sativa and cannabis Indica.

    This is against about 2,700 bags of foreign parboiled intercepted in same period under consideration.
    The Customs Boss literally up in arms with smugglers of all sorts and he is winning on several fronts.

    He has promised that there is no letting down, neither will he compromise in all the mandates given to him by the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR.

    Afeni has however, promised constant engagement communities as well as traditional institutions to educate them on the dangers of smuggling to the nation’s economy, while sharpening its Corporate social responsibility (CSR) within his jurisdiction.

  • The Last Parade Call: Army Finance Corps Bids Farewell to Its Past Commanders

    The Last Parade Call: Army Finance Corps Bids Farewell to Its Past Commanders

    The Nigerian Army Finance Corps, on February 6, 2026, rolled out a colourful and deeply symbolic Pulling-Out Ceremony in honour of past Corps Commanders and retired generals, marking the end of an era defined by discipline, service, and institutional loyalty. The event held at the Nigerian Army School of Signals Parade Ground, Apapa, Lagos.

    The parade, rich in military pageantry and tradition, brought together serving and retired senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, underscoring the prestige attached to the Finance Corps within the Armed Forces. A total of 15 officers and 152 soldiers participated in the ceremony, with 148 troops forming an impressive parade.

    In his valedictory address, the Chief of Accounts and Budgets, Army, Major General K.I. Yusuf, described the ceremony as one of the most dignified and memorable parades in the history of the Corps. He said the military’s unwavering commitment to tradition remained the backbone of its discipline, ethos, and enduring identity.

    Major General Yusuf noted that retirement, though inevitable, was a moment of reflection filled with pride, gratitude, and fulfillment. He recalled years marked by sacrifice, long nights, and demanding assignments, stressing that those experiences shaped the officers and prepared them for the responsibilities entrusted to them.

    He expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his consistent support to the Nigerian Army Finance Corps and for approving the resources that ensured the success of the ceremony. The COAS was represented at the event by the Commander, Corps of Signals, a Major General Mohammed Abdullahi.

    The retired senior officer also acknowledged the dedication of the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army, and the coordinating team, whose meticulous planning delivered what he described as a flawless and historic parade. He paid special tribute to the founding fathers of the Corps for laying a solid institutional foundation.

    Urging serving officers to sustain the legacy, Yusuf charged the next generation to uphold discipline, professionalism, and excellence, noting that commanders across formations would continue to depend on the Corps for sound financial counsel critical to operational success.

    He expressed confidence that the Corps was leaving behind capable, well-trained, and disciplined successors, stressing that indiscipline must never be tolerated, as it remained the bedrock of professionalism within the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.

    The ceremony was witnessed by a large gathering of senior officers, both retired and serving, alongside family members and well-wishers, adding to the emotional weight and historic significance of the occasion.

    As the final salute was taken, Major General Yusuf extended heartfelt gratitude to colleagues, families, and friends for their unwavering support, describing the Corps as not just a place of work but a family. He assured that, even in retirement, the honourees would continue to serve as proud ambassadors of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.

  • When Heritage Meets Global Applause: Runsewe Bags Africa’s Highest Craft Honour

    When Heritage Meets Global Applause: Runsewe Bags Africa’s Highest Craft Honour

    In recognition of his oustanding contributions to the development of arts, culture and the creative industry, the World Crafts Council has awarded Otunba Olusegun Runsewe The Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa.

    This award was conferred on Runsewe during the second World Crafts Forum held in the city of Kuwait from February 1st to 3rd,2026.

    In the award letter signed by the President of the Council AISBL (International), Sa’ad al-Qaddumi, the Council commended Runsewe for his “unwavering commitment to the preservation, promotion and sustainability of the handicraft” as well as his commitment to empowering crafts communities in Africa.

    The Council noted that Runsewe’s commitment to the development and promotion of arts and handicrafts “align strongly with the mission and objectives of the World Craft Council.”

    The letter further stated that “In recognition of your remarkable contribution and steadfast commitment to the advancement of crafts, the World Crafts Council is pleased to express its appreciation through the presentation of a commemorative plaque”.

    The plaque, according to the award letter, is a formal and symbolic acknowledgement of Runsewe’s “commendable role in promoting icon of craft, culture and hospitality in Africa and globally, as well as well as his invaluable support towards the preservation of handicrafts and the empowerment of crafts communities.”

    The plaque stands as a testerment to the World Crafts Councils’ deep respect for Runsewe’s leadership vision and enduring dedication to cultural heritage, the letter stated.

    It would be recalled that Otunba Olusegun Runsewe is the immediate past Director-General of the National Council For Arts and Culture (NCAC).

    The World Craft Forum, (Kuwait 2026) with the theme “Craft In The Creative Economy” brought together international crafts leaders, artisans and policy makers to discuss the role of crafts in modern society, focusing on sustainability, heritage and resilience.

  • From Handover to High Command: Commodore Manga Assumes Control of NNS Jubilee

    From Handover to High Command: Commodore Manga Assumes Control of NNS Jubilee

    The Nigerian Navy witnessed a change of leadership as Commodore Mohammed Abubakar Manga formally assumed duty as the 14th Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee. The transition took place during a formal handing-over and taking-over ceremony held at the Commander’s Office, marking the beginning of a new phase in the ship’s command and operational direction.

    In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Commander, Commodore Abubakar Umar Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to officers, ratings and civilian staff for their steadfast support, professionalism and cooperation throughout his tenure.

    He noted that the collective commitment of personnel was instrumental to the achievements recorded under his leadership and urged them to extend the same loyalty and dedication to the incoming Commander in the interest of continuity and sustained progress.

    He highlighted key achievements recorded during his tour of duty, including the transformation and upgrading of facilities as well as notable improvements in personnel welfare. He urged personnel to extend the same loyalty and cooperation to his successor to ensure continuity and sustained progress.

    In his assumption remarks, Commodore Manga thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), for the confidence reposed in him. He reaffirmed his commitment to the CNS’s vision, mission, and Command philosophy, with emphasis on strict compliance with operational directives aimed at addressing prevailing security challenges.

    He commended the achievements of his predecessor and pledged to consolidate on existing gains while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in line with the directives of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie. The incoming Commander further solicited the cooperation and support of all personnel towards the effective discharge of the Command’s mandate.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of the handing and taking over notes, as well as the handing and taking over of the Ship’s Flag and Staff of Office.

  • CUSTOMS ON HIGH ALERT: Babandede Hails Apapa’s Seizures, Drives Discipline And Efficiency At Kirikiri

    CUSTOMS ON HIGH ALERT: Babandede Hails Apapa’s Seizures, Drives Discipline And Efficiency At Kirikiri

    The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, has delivered a strong operational message across two strategic Lagos Commands, commending outstanding results at Apapa Area Command while charging officers at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal on discipline, integrity and improved service delivery.

    At Apapa Area Command, where he paid a familiarisation visit on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Babandede praised officers and men of the Command for their exceptional performance in revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation throughout the 2025 operational year, noting that the Command surpassed its annual revenue target.

    He explained that the visit was aimed at acknowledging operational challenges, recognising notable achievements and boosting the morale of personnel who have consistently delivered beyond expectations, describing Apapa as a critical hub in the Service’s revenue and enforcement framework.

    The Zonal Coordinator also commended the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling operations, highlighting major seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol, which he said were significant interventions in protecting national security, public health and societal well-being.

    Babandede stressed that while revenue generation remains a core priority, the Service’s mandate equally covers national security, public safety and trade facilitation, applauding Apapa’s effective inter-agency collaboration and urging deeper synergy with sister agencies to strengthen operational outcomes.

    He further emphasised integrity, reputational management, mentorship and capacity building, urging senior officers to deliberately groom younger personnel, while also drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health, disclosing that drug integrity tests would be conducted across Commands.

    In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustained performance, ethical conduct and strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

    Earlier, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Babandede undertook a strategic operational visit to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, aimed at strengthening efficiency, service delivery and operational focus within the Command.

    He was received by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun, who described the visit as timely and inspiring, and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation in alignment with the broader vision of the Service.

    Addressing officers at KLT, the Zonal Coordinator underscored the importance of discipline, dedication, integrity and teamwork, urging personnel to remain vigilant, adapt to evolving trade and border management challenges, adhere strictly to procedures and promote innovation and accountability.

    Deputy Comptroller Adigun described the engagement as a defining moment for the Command, assuring that the guidance provided would sharpen operational focus, enhance service standards, safeguard the national economy and facilitate legitimate trade more efficiently.

  • Power, Presence, and Preparedness: GOC 81 Division Takes On Lagos in Major Army Familiarization Mission

    Power, Presence, and Preparedness: GOC 81 Division Takes On Lagos in Major Army Familiarization Mission

    As part of efforts to familiarize himself with Nigerian Army Institutions, establishments, formations, and units within his Area of Responsibility (AOR), the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of 9 Brigade, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja.

    According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “On arrival, the GOC was received by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General AO Owolabi, alongside officers of the Brigade, as well as members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA). After the regimental inspection of the Quarter Guard, the GOC was subsequently briefed on the activities of the Brigade at the Brigade’s Conference Room, where the Brigade Commander highlighted the achievements so far recorded as well as challenges being encountered, while soliciting the GOC’s kind intervention. He also expressed appreciation to the GOC for the visit and wished him a successful tour of duty.

    In his remarks, the GOC, Major General Babalola, commended the Commander, officers, and soldiers of 9 Brigade for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to sustain their efforts towards ensuring the safety and security of the Brigade’s AOR and Lagos State at large. He later addressed troops of the Brigade at the parade ground and had interaction with members of NAOWA and NASWA at the Calf Officers’ Mess, where he appreciated their support in keeping the home front stable and encouraged them to continue praying for their spouses as they confront security challenges across the nation.

    Highlights of the visit included a tour of the barracks, presentation of souvenirs, and signing of the visitors’ book.

    Similarly, the GOC 81 Division, Major General AA Babalola, on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, visited 149 Battalion, 353 Artillery Regiment, the Nigerian Army School of Medical Sciences (NASMS), and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM). On arrival at each unit, the GOC inspected the Quarter Guard followed by detailed briefings on the activities of the units. The briefings were delivered by the Commanding Officer 149 Battalion, Major A. Suleiman; the Commanding Officer 353 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel A Bello and the Commandant NASMS, Brigadier General OO Igbineweka.

    While at NACOLM, the GOC expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and solicited the support of the College as he began his tour of duty as GOC 81 Division, noting that sustained support from the College and other units/formations within the AOR would greatly enhance operational success and the effective implementation of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.

    In his response, the Commandant NACOLM, Major General AC Adetoba, appreciated the GOC for the visit and requested that the existing synergy between the College and 81 Division be sustained, noting that there is much to be achieved through continued collaboration and mutual support.

    Highlights of the visits include the GOC’s address to combined troops of 149 Battalion and 353 Artillery Regiment, signing of visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.

  • RED FLAGS RAISED: CSOs Warn of Electoral Setback as Senate Rejects Mandatory E-Transmission

    RED FLAGS RAISED: CSOs Warn of Electoral Setback as Senate Rejects Mandatory E-Transmission

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Zero Corruption Coalition, and other civil society organisations have expressed deep concern over the decision of the Senate of the 10th National Assembly to reject the proposed amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which sought to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory in Nigeria.

    Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), described the Senate’s decision as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic development and a direct affront to the collective will of Nigerians who have consistently demanded a stronger, more transparent, and credible electoral legal framework. He noted that the decision has generated widespread shock and disappointment among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, raising serious questions about the Senate’s commitment to genuine electoral reforms.

    Rafsanjani further expressed concern that Nigeria’s political space is already under severe strain, as political parties, particularly opposition parties, are increasingly entangled in endless court cases, leadership disputes, and judicial interventions. These developments, he noted, have created a toxic political environment that weakens internal party democracy, emasculates opposition parties, and systematically undermines political pluralism. The persistent weaponisation of the courts against political parties, he warned, poses a grave threat to democratic stability and discourages credible opposition and meaningful political competition.

    Against this backdrop, the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results appears to be part of a broader and deliberate pattern aimed at frustrating electoral transparency and weakening democratic institutions. With this action, the coalition observed, the Senate has demonstrated a troubling alignment with forces that seek to manipulate electoral outcomes. The coalition warned that under such conditions, the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria will become increasingly difficult, if not impossible.

    According to the coalition, the rejected amendment was a direct response to the credibility challenges witnessed during the 2023 general elections, particularly the failure of electronic transmission of results to enhance transparency and public confidence. The Supreme Court, in its judgments on post election litigations, cited the absence of a clear legal provision mandating electronic transmission as a critical limitation. In the aftermath of the elections, extensive consultations across the country revealed overwhelming public consensus on the urgent need to legally entrench the use of technology to strengthen electoral credibility.

    Beyond the rejection of electronic transmission, Rafsanjani, who is also the Board Chairman of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), condemned other regressive decisions taken by the Senate. These include the reduction of the notice period for elections from 360 days to 180 days, the shortening of the timeline for publishing the list of candidates from 150 days to 60 days, and the blocking of proposals that would allow voters to download electronic voter cards from the INEC website. Taken together, the coalition stressed, these actions amount to deliberate attempts to weaken Nigeria’s electoral law and undermine the prospects of credible elections.

    While acknowledging concerns that such decisions appear designed to preserve the interests of the political ruling class through non transparent processes, Rafsanjani reminded lawmakers that the legislature remains a critical pillar of democracy. History has shown that in moments of democratic collapse, the legislature is often the first institution to be dissolved. Lawmakers must therefore act with responsibility, foresight, and respect for democratic norms.

    The coalition emphasised that legislators must recognise their constitutional role as representatives of the people, not as agents of personal ambition or instruments of entrenched power. They must prioritise the will, aspirations, and democratic rights of Nigerians above narrow political interests.

    The civil society organisations also noted the contrasting and more progressive position adopted by the House of Representatives, which demonstrated a reform driven and democratic approach to the same electoral issues. The coalition therefore called on Nigerians to demand the rejection of the Senate’s positions at the Joint Committee stage and urged the Senate to urgently reconsider decisions that undermine electoral transparency and public trust.

    The coalition further pointed out the irony of lawmakers relying heavily on technology for political campaigns, governance, and constituent engagement, while portraying the same technology as harmful to electoral integrity. CISLAC maintained that technology remains indispensable to democratic growth and that Nigeria must fully align with global best practices in electoral administration.

    The civil society organisations reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to advocating comprehensive electoral reforms that strengthen public trust, deepen democracy, and guarantee the fundamental right of Nigerians to choose their leaders through transparent, credible, and accountable elections.

  • Chilling Discovery, Ruthless Response: Ogun Police Smash Grave Crime & Cement Hijack Syndicate

    Chilling Discovery, Ruthless Response: Ogun Police Smash Grave Crime & Cement Hijack Syndicate

    The Ogun State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in separate intelligence-led operations, arresting a suspect for unlawful exhumation and disrespect for corpses, dismantling an armed robbery syndicate involved in trailer hijacking, and apprehending two additional suspects linked to the same criminal network.

    On January 21, 2026, operatives of the Shakura Division arrested Gafaru Rasaki after he was found in possession of four human heads. Preliminary interrogation and subsequent investigations revealed that the suspect unlawfully exhumed human remains from a cemetery, an act the police described as a grave violation of the law.

    According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the exhibits were secured, investigations concluded expeditiously, and the suspect was charged to court in line with due process.

    In another operation, the Command arrested eight suspected members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for violent attacks and the hijacking of trailer trucks along the Papalanto–Ilaro and Owode–Idiroko corridors of the state.

    The arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police to the Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, to intensify intelligence gathering, deploy surveillance assets and dismantle organised criminal networks through targeted operations.

    Acting on actionable intelligence, detectives penetrated the syndicate and arrested eight suspects at different locations across the state. They include Mogaji Sodiq, alias “Ogbonṣ,” Adebowale Lekan, Ajah Peter, Ganiyu Razaq, Odeleye Ayoola, Egboja Amos, Bello Akeem and Olaifa Sunday.

    Police recovered a hijacked trailer truck, 900 bags of cement traced to a warehouse, and a locally made single-barrel pistol. Investigations indicated a pattern of organised theft targeting commercial supply chains, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members and disrupt logistics channels.

    The Command further announced the arrest of two additional suspects—John Seun, 24, alias “Dagrin,” and Olanipekun Ezekiel, 35, alias “Sharply”—for their roles in the conspiracy, armed robbery and hijacking of a cement-laden trailer.

    Investigators disclosed that the suspects participated in the operation that restrained the driver and diverted the consignment to a buyer. Further inquiries, the police said, are in top gear to track remaining suspects as investigations widen.

    Reaffirming its commitment to intelligence-led policing and public safety, the Ogun State Police Command urged residents to report suspicious activities via its emergency lines, assuring that sustained operations against organised crime will continue across the state.

  • Maritime Security Shake-Up: NIMASA Eyes Deep Blue Expansion, Seeks Navy Synergy

    Maritime Security Shake-Up: NIMASA Eyes Deep Blue Expansion, Seeks Navy Synergy

    Following the success of its maritime security architecture known as the Deep Blue project, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is considering an expansion of the project which impact has been felt across the Gulf of Guinea and gained global recognition, to ensure sustainability and greater impact.

    Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this known during his strategic visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday.

    Mobereola, while commending the Navy for their harmonious collaboration with NIMASA and congratulating the CNS who had perviously served as Maritime Guard Commander under the Agency, called for continued partnership with the Navy under his watch.

    He said, “It is important that we continue our partnership and strenghten our relationship. Our purpose here is to congratulate you, and to discuss the benefits of the Deep Blue Project; how to sustain it, expand it, and increase its impact on the Gulf of Guinea.

    “We are confident that we have the backing of the President, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Navy, hence, we are working towards presenting our proposal on the necessary improvements to be undertaken,” he stated.

    According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward, FNIPR “the DG acknowledged the importance of the Deep Blue Project, noting that its impact resonates globally, with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) commending it.

    “The Deep Blue Project is vital and countries around Africa and some other parts of the world are coming to copy our model. The IMO is asking how a civilian organisation was able to achieve this feat. It is therefore important that we continue to collaborate and do even better for greater sustainability,” he said.

    Mobereola also congratulated the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, who is joining the NIMASA governing Board as the Navy’s representative.

    On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass while welcoming the NIMASA DG and his delegation, commended the Agency for the good work it is doing in the maritime sector and its continued support to the Nigerian Navy.

    He said, “part of my command’s objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our goal as a country. We complement each other. We have no option rather than collaborate and synergise.”

    Abass noted some concerns which include the MoU between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy which has been in place since 2007 and should be revisited.

    He also solicited for the Navy to be called upon for such needs as vessel repair, hydrographic surveys and chartings, stating the Navy’s capacity in handling such tasks.

    The CNS also canvassed NIMASA’s assistance for wreck removal, particularly as the Navy gears towards its 70th Anniversary where it looks forward to welcoming foreign ships.

    He further commended NIMASA for its recent launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Application Portal, noting that the Agency has come a long way in its planned disbursement of the fund.

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