Category: International News

  • Nigerian Navy Delivers 13 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa and Hands Over One Suspect to NDLEA in Badagry

    Nigerian Navy Delivers 13 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa and Hands Over One Suspect to NDLEA in Badagry

    The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Badagry, on Tuesday, transferred custody of one suspect along with 13 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5,500,000 to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the same locality.

    Navy Captain Adams Aliu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Badagry, provided details regarding the arrest. He indicated that the items were apprehended on August 24 and 27 at separate locations within the Badagry area.

    “On Aug.24, at about 10.00.p.m, the Base quick response team acting on intelligent report raided some hideout at Ashipa, in Seme border.

    “We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa is being brought in from Benin Republic and then distributed.

    “One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu stated that on Aug.27, the team apprehended 9 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5m.

    “Another different raid on Aug.27 at about 2.30.p.m., the team seized another 9 sacks of cannabis sativa at a place called Akoro beach near Seme border.

    “On sighting us, they fled but we were able to recover the cannabis sativa. The hard drugs were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.

    “No suspect was arrested because they ran away,” he said.

    He mentioned that the combined value of the confiscated items was N5,500,000.

    Addressing the gathering as he handed over the responsibility to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Alli Gambo, stationed at Badagry Marine, Adams-Aliu stated that this action was in accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s three-fold approach.

    The commanding officer further explained that this approach encompasses surveillance, responsive initiatives, and law enforcement.

    “Our response initiative is what led to this arrest, why we are here today, which means we are in third phase of action.

    “This is handing over of the suspect and the arrested items to NDLEA for them to take over the case.

    “The Commanding Officer recalled that after the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla was appointed in June, 2023, he came out with his strategic directive.

    “CNS strategic directive no.6 of 2023, paragraph 9, states clearly that the strategic end-state of Nigeria Navy operations is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

    “It is not possible that criminals will have safe passage within Nigeria waters. This is a warning to all criminal element thinking that Nigeria waters can be for criminal activities,” he said.

    Upon receiving the exhibit, Ali Gambo provided assurance that the Agency would thoroughly investigate the matter to uncover the true owner of the items. He emphasized that the results of the investigation would ascertain the impact of the exhibit.

    The suspect, Mr. Wasiu Taofeek, explained that he turned to trafficking hard drugs after his house was consumed by fire and he found himself unable to provide for his family.

    He made an earnest appeal, expressing his commitment to abandoning the drug trade if granted forgiveness.

    Taofeek explicitly claimed ownership of the cannabis sativa.

  • Navy Apprehends Five Stowaways

    Navy Apprehends Five Stowaways

    Five stowaways were apprehended aboard the ship MSC MARTHA as a consequence of a remarkable operation by the Nigerian Navy’s NNS BEECROFT patrol unit.

    Following a trustworthy tip-off, the operation was conducted on August 26, 2023, at approximately 2350 hours.

    The five stowaways are named as Christian Joseph (25), Effiong Okon (44), Ayewuni Daniel (27), Ajagboma Asiko (29), and Adebanjo Ayewumi (23).

    While they were attempting to smuggle the vessel out of the country, they were apprehended close to the Lagos anchorage.

    They were found to be in possession of three mobile phones, some personal items, and N7,900 in cash.

    These seized objects are currently in guardianship as proof in the ongoing inquiry.

    The Navy’s commitment to preserving the security and integrity of the nation’s maritime borders is demonstrated by the NNS BEECROFT patrol team’s prompt and effective response. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla is the Chief of the Naval Staff.

    The discovered stowaways are being held in our care while we work with the right authorities to ensure that the proper legal actions are taken.

  • Stakeholders In Onitsha South Protest Transfer Of Garba, Former DPO, Fegge

    Stakeholders In Onitsha South Protest Transfer Of Garba, Former DPO, Fegge

    The sudden relocation of CSP Rabiu Garba, the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Fegge Police Station, has been criticized by the stakeholders in Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State.

    The stakeholders stated in a statement that they would miss Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rabui Garba, who has served as the DPO of Fegge Police Station for the past nine years.

    The stakeholders claimed that since Garba’s arrival in February 2014, nine years ago, he has been successful in bringing the people of Onitsha South together in a statement that was signed by the High Chief, Dede Uzor A Uzor, and Mazi Chika Udemadu Chika.

    They claimed he stopped crime, upheld the peace, and brought it to an end.

    “He recovered dangerous weapons including Ak-47 among the other weapons of death.

    He attracted huge developmental projects to the Division which include a borehole with an overhead tank water reservoir donated by Transglob Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

    He turned around Fegge Police Station.

    He also constructed offices for officers in different departments.

    Garba built fence, mosque, church, and recreation facilities for young people, especially Lawn Tennis department”, said the stakeholders.

    The stakeholders stated that Garba built a fence, mosque, chapel, and entertainment centers for young people, particularly the Lawn Tennis Department.

    The construction of a six-room building to house recently transferred police officers who always found it difficult to find housing, the provision of a large Mikaino generating set, and winning the Interface Hero award for three years in a row, which earned him a variety of Hilux Vans that he later donated to the Division, were also listed as some of Garba’s major accomplishments.

    The Stakeholders claimed that Garba had received over 1050 accolades in all and had an open door policy when he was in Fegge, making him approachable to people.

    They claimed that Garba was well known for supporting less fortunate people of society with his pay. An excellent philanthropist. He is sorely missed.

    We implore the new DPO CSP Ifeanyi Ibure, the youngest CSP, to follow in his footsteps and work to ensure the safety of the residents of Onitsha South, including implementing the bail is free policy that Garba first proposed.

    We implore the new DPO to continue CSP Rabui Garba’s open-door approach rather than prohibiting cell phone use at the station gate.

    The stakeholders stated, “We also reassure him of our adequate assistance.

    The stakeholders praised the CP Aderemi Adeoye for selecting another officer with a vision, like Ibure, to Fegge while Garba took from Ibure at CPS Onitsha.

  • Juliet Ehimuan Appointed Non-Executive Director By Zenith Bank

    Juliet Ehimuan Appointed Non-Executive Director By Zenith Bank

    Dr. Juliet Ehimuan has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc by the bank’s board of directors, beginning August 29, 2023.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has also approved the appointment, which was made public on Tuesday in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.

    Dr. Juliet Ehimuan founded Beyond Limits, serves as its CEO, and served as the most recent Director of Google West Africa. She was recognized as one of the top 20 influential women in Africa by Forbes, one of the 30 individuals transforming the world by the London Business School, and one of the Most Influential individuals of African Descent (MIPAD). She has appeared on CNN Innovate and in the BBC Africa Power Women series, and on CNN Innovate Africa.

    Juliet is a prominent expert on innovation, transformation, and leadership with over 25 years of experience, primarily in the technology, oil & gas, and new media industries spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

    Juliet was an extraordinary 12-year employee of Google who was instrumental in growing the company’s presence in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa. She promoted programs to improve local content creation, talent development, entrepreneurship growth, and innovation. She also promoted strategic alliances with top businesses and government agencies.

    Dr. Juliet has significantly impacted the ICT sector in Nigeria and all of Africa. She participated in committees that created Nigeria’s national broadband plan and ICT incubation strategy, as well as national strategic advisory groups devoted to economic development. Her dedication to influencing the direction of technology in Africa is evident from these engagements. She has won various accolades for her excellent contributions to Africa’s digital landscape.

    She serves on the boards of numerous companies in a variety of sectors, including finance, FMCG, oil and gas, education, and social businesses.

    She has a doctorate in business from Walden University in Minneapolis, an executive MBA from the London Business School, a postgraduate degree in computer science from the University of Cambridge, a BSc in computer engineering with first-class honors from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, and these credentials round out her educational background.

    She was given the Selwyn College Scholar and Malaysian Commonwealth Scholar awards at Cambridge University in addition to the London Business School Global Women’s Scholarship. She belongs to the Cambridge Commonwealth Society as a Fellow.

    She won the IT Personality of the Year award from the Nigeria Computer Society in 2012, Marketing World’s Digital Personality of the Year award in 2016, and Technology Africa’s Titans of Technology award in 2015. She is an author who has been published, an executive coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches’ Council.

  • Egbetokun, Others Hail ACP Braide For Elevating Prestige Of Police Force

    Egbetokun, Others Hail ACP Braide For Elevating Prestige Of Police Force

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, along with various security stakeholders, has expressed their admiration for the remarkable achievements of ACP Ibiye Braide, the commander of the Mobile Police Force, 22 Squadron, Ikeja, Lagos.

    ACP Ibiye Braide’s innovative policing strategies and impactful infrastructural endeavors have garnered praise and elevated the reputation of the police force.

    Notable attendees at the event included Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Christopher Alabi, Mr. Ari Mohammed Ali, Assistant Inspector-General overseeing Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru, and prominent figures from the business community. They joined the Inspector-General of Police at the official inauguration ceremony of the projects initiated by ACP Braide in Lagos.

    In an unprecedented display of recognition for ACP Braide’s contributions, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun personally unveiled the projects.

    These projects encompassed a remodeled and well-furnished administrative building, a modern Police Clinic equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, an advanced ICT center, a tailoring workshop, a 14-bed transit camp, a trauma and distress center, a pharmacy, and an office for communication and rapid intervention. Egbetokun hailed ACP Braide as a source of pride for both the police force and the entirety of Nigeria.

    Among the notable additions brought about by ACP Braide were ten solar light units installed across the police formation, a new gatehouse and security post, and a 304-square meter concrete parking area and parade ground.

    The Inspector General of Police stated that upon being informed about the initiatives introduced by Braide, he opted to personally inaugurate the projects. “I am not disappointed with what I am seeing. I am proud of him for all he has done and I challenge other officers to emulate ACP Braide to bring pride to the force,” he said.

    Speaking, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, expressed his admiration for the police facility’s resemblance to the Scotland Yard building in the United Kingdom. He offered a prayer for Braide’s protection and success in all his undertakings.

    The most heartfelt praises for Braide, however, emanated from the members of the MOPOL 22 Squadron. They spoke highly of their commander, with several expressing that he was actively equipping them for their lives beyond their service years.

    One of the officers, an ASP who preferred anonymity, said, “Oga Braide has really changed my perception about many things. He is a man who always wants the best in everything. I have learnt a lot from oga in the policing job and life outside policing. He is already preparing all of us for the future. He has opened our eyes to life after retirement.”

    Similarly, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who also preferred to remain anonymous, expressed, “Our commitment to serving the citizens of Nigeria is consistently fueled by our commanding officer. They have brought a sense of honor to our police duties.”

    “There is a place he just built for us where we can rest after duty. The place is very conducive for the mind and even better than our homes. That alone is a very big encouragement for us.

    “In the past, we used to hang around the office whenever we came back from our duty posts, but now we can sleep and rest before going home or returning to our duty posts the next day.

    “Now we have doctors, psychologists and even well- equipped tailors within our facility. When we are sick, we have doctors that can attend to us. Sometimes when some of us return from operation, especially during crisis, they face on trauma or the other and the patient will be rushed to the hospital where they may not be space to admit the patient,but today, we have trauma room in the premises,where any patient will be treated. The place is well equipped . There is a doctor available, to offer treatment . These achievements are unprecedented.I have worked under many officers but Oga Braide is different.”

    A senior officer at MOPOL 22 (names withheld) said, “What Oga usually tells us is that he is doing everything for humanity and posterity. He acquired many laptops and other information technology equipment to train our officers.

    We have started computer training. It is the commander’s belief that every policeman should be computer-literate and when a police officer retires, he or she should be able to get jobs as CSO in private companies. He is very innovative, kind and sincere.”

  • Fidelity Bank Secures Top Spot For Earnings Per Share On NGX In First Half Of 2023

    Fidelity Bank Secures Top Spot For Earnings Per Share On NGX In First Half Of 2023

    In a remarkable achievement for the second consecutive year, Fidelity Bank Plc, a prominent player in the financial sector, has clinched the position of the company boasting the highest earnings per share (EPS) on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) for the first half of 2023.

    According to an in-depth report published by BusinessDay, Fidelity Bank stands tall among industry leaders, including Seplat Energy, Total Energies, Okomu Oil, Presco, Dangote Cement, MTN Nigeria, BUA Foods, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), and Geregu Power. These organizations have demonstrated remarkable EPS performance during this review period.

    EPS, a pivotal metric, signifies a company’s net profit divided by its outstanding common shares. Widely regarded as a key indicator for assessing corporate worth, it reflects the monetary gain a company generates for each of its stock shares. A higher EPS often correlates with enhanced value, as investors are willing to pay a premium for shares of companies believed to possess substantial profits relative to their stock prices.

    An impressive highlight from the report reveals that Fidelity Bank has achieved an EPS of N184 in the first half of 2023, in stark contrast to its N79 figure during the same period in 2022. This robust growth showcases the bank’s resilient financial performance and strategic prowess.

    The bank’s outstanding shares stand at 32.01 million, with a stock price of N7. Notably, the bank has witnessed an impressive trading volume of 32.15 million as of Friday, 12:59 p.m., further underlining its prominence in the market.

    The bank’s profit figures are equally striking, with a staggering rise from N22.84 billion in the first half of 2022 to N53.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2023. A testament to its sound financial management and customer-focused initiatives.

    Furthermore, Fidelity Bank’s cash and cash equivalents have surged to N501.54 billion in the first half of 2023, demonstrating a significant increase from N276.07 billion during the same period in 2022. This remarkable growth reflects the bank’s dedication to solidifying its financial position and fostering a strong foundation for future endeavors.

    In a strategic move to bolster its operations and continue its upward trajectory, Fidelity Bank’s shareholders recently greenlit a capital raising initiative. This involves a Public Offer for up to 10 billion Ordinary Shares and a Rights Issue of up to 3.2 billion Ordinary Shares. This Rights Issue presents existing shareholders with an opportunity to acquire one new share for every ten shares held, while new shareholders can partake in the Public Offer.

    Fidelity Bank’s consistent success in achieving the highest EPS on the NGX affirms its standing as a leading financial institution and a preferred choice for investors seeking stable and lucrative opportunities.

    With its innovative approaches and steadfast commitment to excellence, the bank’s future endeavors are likely to shape the landscape of the financial industry.

  • Major Air Strikes Disrupt Criminal Networks Across Nigeria

    Major Air Strikes Disrupt Criminal Networks Across Nigeria

    In a resolute move to counteract the activities of criminal elements undermining national security, the air component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has executed a series of precision air strikes targeting illegal refining sites, militants’ camps, and terrorist hideouts across different states of Nigeria.

    On August 27, 2023, OPDS initiated air interdiction missions against illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille, and Gogokori in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The airstrikes were meticulously executed to eliminate these hubs of illicit activities, contributing to instability and adversely affecting law-abiding citizens. A Cotonou boat laden with illegal refined products was also neutralized at Gogokori as it attempted to escape into open waters.

    Expanding the scope of the operations, OPDS carried out similar strikes on refining sites in Idama (Akuku-toru Local Government Area) and Omoma (Degema Local Government Area) of Rivers State.

    The strikes were based on actionable intelligence indicating ongoing refining activities at these locations. The sites were promptly targeted, leading to the destruction of active illegal refining sites and the incineration of suspected reservoirs containing illicitly refined products.

    In a parallel operation on August 25, 2023, identified militants’ and pirates’ camps in Cross River State became targets for the air component of OPDS. Notorious camps including Big Joe’s Camp, Sunny’s Camp, Davids’ Camp in Bakassi Local Government Area, and Amos Camps in Calabar South Local Government Area were subjected to precision airstrikes.

    The operation aimed at dismantling these criminal strongholds and apprehending their occupants. The strikes led to several criminals being neutralized, and efforts to escape were met with overwhelming force.

    Additionally, on the same day, the air component carried out targeted strikes at the Chinene hideout in the Mandara mountains, known as a persistent terrorist gathering point in the Northeast region. This location has been targeted previously due to its history of harboring and facilitating the activities of terrorists. The recent operation resulted in several terrorists being eliminated and others fleeing the scene.

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remains dedicated to delivering tangible results in the battle against criminal elements. The relentless efforts of the NAF and other security agencies underscore their commitment to securing the nation.

    However, the collective involvement of all Nigerians is crucial in addressing these challenges effectively. Citizens are urged to provide actionable information to security agencies, thus becoming an integral part of the solution in maintaining peace and stability across the country.

  • Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Vows To Support Sport Development In All Commands 

    Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Vows To Support Sport Development In All Commands 

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla has vowed to support and encourage sports development in all commands. 

    The CNS who was represented by Rear Admiral Musa Madugu, Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinances Depot made the vow at the closing ceremony of the NAVTRAC Games 2023 which held from Aug. 20 to 26 at Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, Navy Town, Ojo.

    The CNS said the encouragement and support would promote talents and also contribute to national development through sporting activities

    “This game started some few days ago with high hope and expectations by the competing athletes to win laurels and emerge as overall winners, I hope these wishes were fulfilled.  

    “Therefore, it is my honour to welcome all our guests and well-wishers to this auspicious event marking the end of the 5 days sporting fiesta that lived up to its biddings. I am delighted to give this closing remarks.  

    “I wish to reiterate here that, the quality of competition displayed by the athletes under a thorough and fair officiation is quite commendable. I therefore expressed my complete confidence that athletes, officials, invited guests and indeed professional sports scouts enjoyed the event.

    “Thus, both winners and losers are victors and you should be proud of your performances. It is my sincere advise that you carry with great resolution your efforts into future competitions.  

    “I appreciate the honour of being here to once again witness the impressive events and displays to mark the closing of the NAVTRAC Games 2023. To this, I say well done to the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, athletes, Officials and organisers for putting up this beautiful display.

    “Permit me to reinforce your confidence that the Nigerian Navy will continue to give necessary supports and encouragement to sports development in all commands. This is to promote talents and also contribute to national development through sporting activities such as this. 

    “The new talents discovered during this event will be harnessed for future competitions and please don’t rest on your oars. Continue to practice your skills for greater future that awaits you in the ever-promising global sports industry.  

    “Importantly, I believe the professional scouts have identified individual talents for engagement. Let me mention here that the Nigerian Navy doors are opened to welcome collaboration with relevant stakeholders in sports development for both local and international exposures,” he said.

    The CNS added that it was his moral duty to “order our sports men and women to remain loyal and dedicated to the service of the Nigerian Navy and allegiance to the nation.”

    “We shall continue to see sports as a national symbol for unity. Past and recent events have shown that sports is a unifying factor for the heterogenous constituents of this great nation and collectively we are duty bound to uphold this civil responsibility of one indivisible Nigeria’ he said. 

    The CNS added that the military has always been involved in sports and it is one of the traditions in the military but in recent times have not really had intra-Command competition. 

    “So, this time we are having the competition at the instance of the Flag Officer Commanding, Navy Training Command.

    “This will go a long way in keeping our men fit both physically and mentally. So, that’s why we need to be having this competition more regularly than what it used to be.

    “Introducing sports also goes a long way in keeping the officers fit and this fitness is paramount in military. With competitions like this, we are actually enhancing the capacity of the men that participated. We are equally encouraging others to be part of it.

    “Having watched the finals that was played today, I’m sure you were entertained. Other people who were watching we’re almost jumping into the field to participate because of the excitement.

    “Besides the physical aspect of the training, these games also foster unity and creates an avenue for bonding among the participants. The competition brings people from different units who may not have seen themselves since the days in the training school. 

    “The FOC NAVTRAC has done a great thing by organizing this competition and I commend his efforts. Other Commands will begin to emulate what he has done and in no time this could become a regular event in the Navy,” he said.

    On his part, the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu who commended the CNS for his support towards making the games a successful one said it will improve the Nigerian Navy’s fighting efficiency. 

    “We want to thank the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla for his overriding decision to ensure the Navy boasts an agile force that depends the nation.

    “Riding on that initiative from the CNS, we decided that the Command should institutionalize competitions like this. It didn’t take too long for us to catch the initiative the CNS has for the Navy and this is one of the outcomes of the new Nigerian Navy under the CNC, Vice Admiral Ogalla. 

    “I’m also certain that many more similar initiatives will spring up across the Navy and this will improve our fighting efficiency amid all the troubles the nation is going through.

    “With the enormous security challenges in the country, it is pertinent to have the Navy fit and this is one of the ways to achieve that. We are starting from this level but we expect it to grow bigger to enable the Navy become the best fighting force in Africa,” he said. 

    The FOC said that the games which will become an annual event is also part of National security as it keeps the officers fit and combat ready.

  • Effective Deployment, Operational Status Achieved For Deep Blue Assets, Managed By Project Team – Jamoh

    Effective Deployment, Operational Status Achieved For Deep Blue Assets, Managed By Project Team – Jamoh

    The Nigerian Navy has announced the deployment of assets procured by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, commonly referred to as the Deep Blue project.

    These assets have been strategically positioned across the South West, Central, and Eastern Zonal operations, effectively reinforcing patrols within the Nigerian maritime expanse.

    Commodore Victor Choji, the Acting Fleet Commander of the Western Naval Command and Commander of the Deep Blue Project, conveyed this update during an official visit by Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, to NIMASA’s management. Commodore Choji also emphasized that Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, leads the Nigerian Navy with unwavering dedication to the successful realization of the Deep Blue Project.

    According to him, “The assets have already been well deployed. As we speak 5 armoured vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and 3 in Bonny.”

    Continuing his remarks, he mentioned that the project team had introduced an additional 10 vehicles and a drone unit to the Bonny area, along with a complement of personnel. He alluded to the fact that during the recent national elections, the mere existence of the deep blue assets in those regions yielded the necessary influence that was needed.

    Choji added that within the Central Zone Command, the Navy had dispatched three sets of specialized mission components to the brass area, as well as two interceptor boats carrying the special intervention force elements within the central command.

    “In Lagos, just last week, we got a directive that there is a requirement and we are about to deploy 2 interceptor boats to support the operations that are ongoing in Lagos Inland waters. I can state categorically that we have the full backing of the Nigerian Navy for the success of the Deep Blue Project,” he noted.

    Speaking, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, pointed out that the assets procured by the Agency as part of the Deep Blue Project are under the management of a specialized project group led by a Commodore from the Nigerian Navy. He reiterated the Agency’s dedication to fostering a strong partnership with the Nigerian Navy, aiming to contribute to the economic advancement of the nation.

    “I believe that the Agency and the Nigerian Navy have a lot in common to ensure safety and security in the nation’s waters. While the Nigerian Navy takes care of the kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two will have to go hand in hand if we must succeed. If you look at the armed forces act, the Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs & Excise act”, he noted.

    Jamoh has articulated NIMASA’s aspiration to maximize returns on the investments made and still being made in the Deep Blue Project. He additionally highlighted that the Agency maintains consistent communication with the National Assembly.

    This communication aims to ensure that the nation’s maritime laws, particularly the Merchant Shipping Act, are updated appropriately. This update would include incorporating robust punitive measures within the legal framework to effectively discourage criminal activities within Nigerian waters.

    In acknowledging the commendable efforts of the Nigerian Navy in tracing vessels that deactivate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) within Nigerian waters, Dr Jamoh urged for enhanced collaboration among all governmental bodies within the maritime sector.

    He specifically emphasized the importance of synergizing efforts between the Nigerian Navy and the maritime division of the Nigerian Police. This collaborative approach is crucial in promptly addressing the recent instances of criminal activities occurring in the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage and inland waterways.

  • Nigerian Army Troops Destroy Illegal Refinery In Anti-Oil Theft Operation

    Nigerian Army Troops Destroy Illegal Refinery In Anti-Oil Theft Operation


    Troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army have continued to crack down on saboteurs of Nigeria’s oil sector in South South Nigeria as it destroyed massive illegal refinery in Delta State.

    A statement signed by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations revealed that troops conducting anti oil theft operations, responding to actionable intelligence on Aug. 23 swooped on an illegal oil refinery site in the general area of Ogbokoko and Atu in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. 

    “During the operations, troops destroyed 8 active Ovens used for illegal refining of stolen crude oil, 14 storage reservoirs containing stolen crude oil estimated  at 200,000 litres and 90,000 litres of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). 

    “The oil thieves fled the scene, on sighting the advancement of troops. The Illegal refining site was destroyed in-situ in line with extant guidelines of Operation Delta Safe. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing criminals.

    “Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb  economic sabotage in the country,” it read.

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