Category: Maritime Sector

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.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Port Command has recorded a historic revenue collection of N1.87 trillion from January to October 2024, marking a 101% increase over the N931.1 billion generated during the same period in 2023.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Port Command, shared this milestone at a press briefing on Monday, November 4, 2024, attributing the success to rigorous enforcement and anti-leakage strategies despite a decline in trade volume.

In October alone, the Apapa Command achieved its highest-ever monthly collection with N264.5 billion. Comptroller Olomu expressed optimism about surpassing the annual target of N2.2 trillion by year-end, driven by strengthened revenue collection mechanisms.

Olomu emphasized ongoing trade facilitation initiatives within the command, which include the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, Advanced Ruling for smoother cargo clearance, and weekend operations to reduce delays. Additionally, the command has fostered collaboration with other government agencies, enhancing efficiency and supporting Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. Recently, Apapa Command facilitated its first shipment to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, a notable step in expanding Nigeria’s trade footprint within Africa.

As part of its anti-smuggling operations, the command has intensified inspections to prevent the importation of prohibited goods. On the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Olomu announced the handover of six containers of expired or misdeclared pharmaceuticals, including unapproved doses of tramadol and codeine-based cough syrup, to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). These unregistered products, which could pose health risks to Nigerians, were seized as part of a broader effort to ensure public safety.

Since January, the command has made over 36 seizures of restricted goods such as used clothing, frozen poultry, and controlled substances, with an estimated value exceeding N1.5 billion.

Comptroller Olomu commended stakeholders for improved compliance, attributing this progress to regular engagement with private sector partners and sister government agencies. He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to stringent cargo examination, using both scanning and physical inspections to uncover false declarations, undervaluation, and other practices that compromise government revenue and public safety.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has issued a clarification regarding a viral video that claims a mosque under construction at the Nigeria Customs Secondary School in Idiroko was demolished on the orders of the Officer in Charge of Building.

In a press statement released on November 3, 2024, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer Hameed Bukoye Oloyede explained that an investigation revealed the mosque construction was unauthorized and did not comply with the master plan for the school and junior barracks premises.

The statement emphasized that there are already sufficient facilities for religious activities within the command’s jurisdiction. These include mosques and a chapel at the border area, as well as places of worship in the Customs Area Controller’s (CAC) residence, and senior and junior officers’ barracks. Additionally, the mosque located in the junior barracks was recently renovated and expanded by the same Officer in Charge of Building, highlighting the Command’s commitment to supporting religious needs.

To address the situation amicably and demonstrate respect for religious concerns, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, has intervened personally. Comptroller Ojo committed to laying the foundation for a new mosque at a designated location within the premises, with assurances of support and a timely completion of the project in accordance with the Command’s protocols.

The NCS urged all stakeholders to exercise patience and understanding regarding the issue, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity towards religious matters. Comptroller Ojo also advised the school administration to maintain harmony and foster good relations within and around the barracks community.

This response aims to clarify the misunderstanding surrounding the incident and reinforce the Command’s dedication to respecting religious diversity and fostering unity within its facilities.

In a heartfelt ceremony at Kangiwa House, the headquarters of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Kaduna, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) honored two retiring Assistant Comptrollers and bid farewell to the 2023 Batch ‘C’ National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who completed their service at the unit.

The event, which marked the transition of both retiring officers and Corps members into new phases of their lives, celebrated the contributions and dedication of Assistant Comptroller (AC) Suraj Umar Faruk, the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Administration, and AC Dan-Alfa Lawal Ibrahim, the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement. Both officers retired after years of service to the NCS.

In his speech, Comptroller Shuaibu praised the retired officers for their exceptional dedication, stating that “diligence, hard work, honesty, and integrity are the bedrock of our Service.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of officers, using the occasion to encourage continued commitment to excellence within the NCS.

Shuaibu also took the opportunity to bid farewell to the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Corps members, who completed their mandatory one-year service at the FOU Zone B. He advised them to carry the lessons of professionalism and integrity into their future careers and to be ambassadors of their families and the Nigeria Customs Service. He further encouraged them to maintain the relationships formed during their service year, which could prove valuable throughout their lives.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kaduna Area Command, Comptroller Ahmed Tijjani Abe, fsi, Ph.D., senior officers, family members, and well-wishers.

A highlight of the event was a group photo of the NYSC members with Comptroller Shuaibu, in which they presented him with a portrait to commemorate their time at the unit.

The farewell ceremony symbolized the strong bond between officers, Corps members, and the Customs Service, reinforcing the importance of dedication, integrity, and lifelong connections in public service.

The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service has collected N1,610,906,781,421.82k as at the end of the third quarter of 2024, which is higher than N1,172,414,793,960.32k that was collected as total revenue of the year 2023

Customs Area Controller for the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi who described the feat as a fallout of diligence and integrity, said the command will continually engage with stakeholders to improve on the revenue collection achievements and reduced smuggling recorded to the command’s credit.

He identified the N201.8b collected in July 2024 and N193.9b in September 2024 as spectacular figures capable of being replicated again in the last quarter of the year beginning from October.

Comptroller Olomu said the various trade facilitation programmes put in place by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, like advance ruling, time release study and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) are being dutifully implemented for the overall benefit of the nation’s economy.

While commending officers of the command for the achievement in revenue collection relying on diligent examination and uncompromising interventions through issuance of demand notices, where and when necessary, the Area Controller reiterated the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling.

The command, according to the CAC, shall continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance, which has resulted in reduced smuggling in the area.

He said the strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitization of stakeholders and in-house training, and retraining of customs officers have jointly contributed to the almost zero level of smuggling in recent times.

The CAC urged all port users in Apapa to avail themselves of the services of the dispute resolution team to resolve all areas of uncertainty while reassuring licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and haulage operators of the command’s readiness to assist at all times.

He thanked sister government agencies for their support and stated that the command will always leverage on its relationship with them to share intelligence against criminal elements, do joint examinations in line with extant standard operating procedures (SOPs) and promote compliance at all times.

“Our revenue collection is good, and I know we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024. I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation in supporting us to achieve this level of collection.

” Reduced smuggling activities is a testament to affirm the compliance we are celebrating, and I can say the best is yet to come. We are not losing guard. Our tempo of vigilance is airtight, which attests to our capacity to detect smuggling and make seizures.

” As we do trade facilitation, our anti smuggling activities are done side by side leveraging on our non intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examination when necessary. Let me also state that these standards and procedures are strictly adhered to in all bonded terminals under our control, ” Comptroller Olomu said

Usman Abubakar
Customs Public Relations Officer
Apapa Port Command

…As CGC Adeniyi Revitalizes Airwing Operations

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, inspected the newly acquired aircraft on Friday, 20 September 2024, in Bartlesville, Washington, USA, marking a pivotal moment for the NCS airwing operations.

The aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA is set to enhance the Services’ air patrol and surveillance efforts. Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the Cessna Grand Caravan is globally recognised for its rugged versatility, short-field take-off and landing capabilities, and ability to operate on remote airstrips—making it ideally suited for border security operations in Nigeria.

CGC Adeniyi emphasized the importance of this acquisition, noting that the aircraft is fitted with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions. “This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Airwing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol,” CGC Adeniyi stated.

The Cessna Grand Caravan will play a crucial role in air patrols aimed at detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations. “With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary,” CGC Adeniyi explained, aligning the move with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Additionally, the aircraft will serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, offering logistical support and revenue generation for the Service. CGC Adeniyi underscored the cost-efficiency of the Cessna Grand Caravan, noting that its operational costs are relatively low compared to other aircraft in its class. “This is a long-term investment for the Service that not only enhances our operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of our air surveillance programs,” he added.

Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, lauded the acquisition as a milestone for the NCS aviation unit. “With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalize its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” Capt. Mbaya remarked.

The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security, and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry has successfully intercepted and rescued seven suspected victims of human trafficking in two separate operations, leading to the arrest of an alleged trafficker. The victims, all young girls, were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

In the first operation on October 1, 2024, around 3:20 PM, the Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT) at the FOB Badagry jetty intercepted a fibre boat heading towards Panshi Jetty from Mile 2. During routine checks, four young women, aged between 19 and 21, were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. Upon interrogation, the girls revealed they were unaware of their exact destination but were instructed to call a contact once they arrived at Panshi Jetty. They were told someone would take them to the Republic of Benin and Mali, promising them a better life.

A similar incident occurred on October 2, 2024, at around 6:19 PM, when another fibre boat heading to Panshi Jetty was intercepted. During the routine stop and search, three more girls, aged between 15 and 17, were found to be victims of suspected trafficking. They were traveling with a woman identified as Mrs. Sharon Idehen, 29, who claimed to be their relative and was allegedly taking them to Ghana for a better life. Mrs. Idehen was arrested, and the girls, along with a one-year-old child, were taken into custody.

On October 4, 2024, the alleged trafficker and the seven victims were formally handed over to NAPTIP’s zonal office in Ikeja, Lagos, for further investigation and prosecution. This action is in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.

Navy Captain Bitebobo Augustus Amakiri, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, commended the efforts of the Quick Response Team, noting that the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing commitment to maritime security is aimed at ensuring a safe environment both in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. These operations, he added, align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-6, which emphasizes the importance of maritime security.

The Nigerian Navy’s swift response underscores its determination to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety of those at risk within its area of responsibility.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has rescued 12 young women suspected to be victims of human trafficking in two separate operations. The interceptions occurred on September 30, 2024, as part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities along the nation’s waterways.

In the first incident, the FOB Badagry Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at Tongeji Island intercepted a fibre passenger boat en route to Panshin Jetty in Owode. During the routine search and interrogation of passengers, eight young women, aged between 19 and 24, were suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

Later that evening, at around 8:10 PM, another fibre boat transiting to the Republic of Benin was intercepted at the Base Jetty. Four additional young women, also suspected of being trafficked, were rescued during this operation.

On October 1, 2024, the 12 rescued victims were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Lagos State Border Patrol Command in Seme, Badagry, for further investigation. This handover was in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) of 2006.

In the same vein, the operatives arrest of an alleged human trafficker and the rescue of three suspected victims of trafficking. This operation took place on September 30, 2024, when the FOB Badagry Quick Response Team (QRT) intercepted a fibre passenger boat near Tongeji Island en route to Panshin Jetty in Owode.

During a routine search and interrogation of the passengers, it was discovered that three young women, aged between 19 and 21, were being trafficked by one Mr. Chidubem Arinze. The trafficker reportedly intended to transport the women across the border into the Republic of Benin and further into Côte d’Ivoire.

Following the interception, the suspected trafficker was arrested, and the victims were safely rescued. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the suspect and the rescued victims were handed over to the Lagos Zonal Office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution. This action is in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) of 2016.

Navy Captain Biterobo Augustus Amakiri, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, praised the swift action of the Navy personnel, emphasizing that these efforts align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-6, which seeks to ensure a secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigerian Navy continues to demonstrate its dedication to curbing human trafficking and other illegal activities in its Area of Responsibility (AOR), reinforcing maritime security and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.