Category: Maritime Sector

  • NCS FOU ‘B’ Apprehends Fake Customs Officer For Impersonation, Shuaibu Vows Crackdown on Impostors

    NCS FOU ‘B’ Apprehends Fake Customs Officer For Impersonation, Shuaibu Vows Crackdown on Impostors


    In a decisive blow against fraudulent activities, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ (FOU ‘B’) has successfully apprehended a notorious impostor masquerading as a customs officer, reaffirming its commitment to rooting out impostors within the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Abubakar Ibrahim, aged 28, found himself ensnared by the long arm of the law after a relentless pursuit by FOU ‘B’ operatives, who, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command, tracked him down to Next Level hotel in Sokoto State on 29th April 2024.

    The suspect, donning the uniform of the Nigeria Customs Service, was promptly taken into custody and handed over to the Customs Police Unit, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, for further investigation. His fraudulent activities, which targeted unsuspecting Nigerians, have now come to an abrupt end as he awaits prosecution in accordance with the law.

    Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, head of FOU ‘B’, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Command, for their invaluable cooperation and swift action in apprehending the perpetrator. Emphasizing the seriousness of the matter, he reiterated FOU ‘B’s unwavering resolve to clamp down on individuals who deceive the public by impersonating customs officials.

    Furthermore, Comptroller Shuaibu issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to remain vigilant and disregard any solicitations for money purportedly for recruitment or auction exercises. He emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service does not solicit funds for such purposes and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

    To mitigate the risk of falling victim to fraudsters, Comptroller Shuaibu advised the public to only follow verified social media accounts of the Nigeria Customs Service, identifiable by the blue tick symbol. He cited platforms such as Facebook, @CustomsNG on X (formerly Twitter), and a newly established WhatsApp Channel as legitimate channels for information dissemination.

    Additionally, members of the public were encouraged to seek clarification on customs-related matters by visiting the nearest Public Relations Unit of any Customs Command.

  • RIVERS STATE: Nigerian Navy Rescues Over 250 Passengers From Capsized Boat

    RIVERS STATE: Nigerian Navy Rescues Over 250 Passengers From Capsized Boat

    In a heroic late-night operation, Nigerian Navy personnel successfully rescued more than 250 individuals from a capsized passenger boat in Rivers State. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time on April 28, 2024, along the Cawthorne Channel.

    The vessel, identified as MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL, embarked from a local market in the Sangana area of Bayelsa State, destined for Rivers State. Tragically, the boat encountered severe stormy conditions and struck an underwater wreck, compromising its hull integrity and causing it to overturn. The boat, described as a three-deck wooden “Large Cotonou Boat,” lacked essential lifesaving equipment, and none of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.

    Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 personnel, stationed along the channel, responded promptly to the emergency, ensuring that no lives were lost in the mishap. This swift and effective rescue underscores the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety, in accordance with the Strategic Directive issued by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, aiming for a secure maritime environment within Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

    Further emphasizing the critical importance of safety gear, the Nigerian Navy reiterated the need for local maritime operators to equip vessels with life jackets, life buoys, and other lifesaving devices. The proper provision and use of such equipment are crucial for the safety of all maritime travelers.

    Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, affirmed the Navy’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime boundaries and ensuring safe passage for all legitimate maritime activities. The Navy continues to monitor and respond to maritime distress calls as part of its broader mission to protect and serve the nation’s interests at sea.

  • Nigerian Navy Advocates For Sportsmanship, Unity At Inter-Command Competition Closing Ceremony

    Nigerian Navy Advocates For Sportsmanship, Unity At Inter-Command Competition Closing Ceremony

    In the culminating event of the Nigerian Navy 2024 Inter-Command Football, Volleyball, and Tug of War Competition, Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, emphasized the critical importance of sportsmanship and unity among naval personnel, urging participants to uphold these values in future endeavors.

    The event, graced by the Special Guest of Honour, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, was a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence within the naval community.

    In his address, R Admiral MB Hassan commended the participants for their outstanding performance, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. He emphasized the importance of events like these in fostering camaraderie and teamwork among naval personnel, highlighting the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination displayed by all participants.

    Acknowledging the victorious teams, Hassan extended his heartfelt congratulations, recognizing their hard work, perseverance, and achievements. He encouraged those who did not emerge as winners to view the experience as an opportunity for growth and improvement, emphasizing the inherent value of participation and dedication.

    The Special Guest of Honor expressed gratitude to the Main Organizing Committee, officials, coaches, and all individuals who contributed to the success of the competition. Their tireless efforts ensured a smooth and hitch-free event, reflecting the dedication and commitment of the naval community to excellence in sports.

    List of commands that participated are: Western Naval Command,
    Eastern Naval Command, Naval Training Command, Logistics Command, NHQ, Naval Doctrine Command and Central Naval Command.

    As the competition came to a close, R Admiral MB Hassan urged participants to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie in future events, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence both on and off the field.

    Below are the results of the competition:

    Volleyball female category

    GOLD – Naval Training Command

    SILVER – Western Naval Command

    BRONZE – Naval Headquarters Command

    Volleyball Male Category;

    GOLD- Naval Training Command

    SILVER- Eastern Naval Command

    BRONZE- Central Naval Command.

    Football

    GOLD – Eastern Naval Command

    SILVER- Logistics Command

    BRONZE- Naval Training Command

    TUG OF WAR FEMALE CATEGORY

    GOLD – Eastern Naval Command

    SILVER- Naval Headquarters Command

    BRONZE- Naval Training Command

    TUG OF WAR MALE CATEGORY

    GOLD – Naval Training Command

    SILVER- Naval Headquarters Command.

    BRONZE- Eastern Naval Command.

    In conclusion, Rear Admiral MB Hassan extended congratulations to all participants and expressed hope for the continued growth and success of the Nigerian Navy’s sports programs. He officially declared the Nigerian Navy 2024 Inter-Command Football, Volleyball, and Tug of War Competition closed, marking the end of a memorable and successful event.

    The closing ceremony served as a testament to the spirit of unity, teamwork, and excellence within the Nigerian Navy, reaffirming the commitment of naval personnel to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship.

  • Navy Extends Operation Delta Sanity Amidst Continued Success Against Oil Theft

    Navy Extends Operation Delta Sanity Amidst Continued Success Against Oil Theft

    Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, announced the extension of Operation DELTA SANITY for an additional 90 days. The announcement was made at the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in Port Harcourt.

    Operation DELTA SANITY, initially launched on 6 January 2024, is a robust anti-crude oil theft initiative aligned with the directive from the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to eradicate crude oil theft and enhance Nigeria’s oil production for economic improvement. The operation involves aggressive surveillance and interdiction missions across the Niger Delta, utilizing Navy personnel, platforms, helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

    The Vice Admiral highlighted the operation’s significant impact on curbing maritime criminal activities and oil theft. The Nigerian Navy has conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, leading to substantial results across multiple states including Bayelsa, Ondo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. The efforts have drastically limited the operations of oil thieves and vandals, contributing to the recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products.

    Statistics from the operation demonstrate its effectiveness:
    – Recovery of massive quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products
    – Seizure of 95 wooden boats and 13 fiber boats
    – Deactivation of 119 storage tanks and refining ovens
    – Deactivation of 447 dugout pits and 120 illegal refining sites
    – Seizure of 9 vehicles
    – Arrest of 74 suspects
    – Seizure of 14 vessels

    Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support of the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy. He also commended the valor and dedication of all officers and men involved in Operation DELTA SANITY, who sacrifice daily to uphold the operation’s mandate.

    The extension of Operation DELTA SANITY underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and bolstering the national economy through sustained efforts against crude oil theft.

  • NN Hosts Successful Inaugural Quarterly Road March To Promote Fitness, Civil Harmony

    NN Hosts Successful Inaugural Quarterly Road March To Promote Fitness, Civil Harmony


    The Western Naval Command, under the leadership of Flag Officer Rear Admiral Mohammed Hassan, conducted its first Quarterly Road March on Saturday, marking a significant event aimed at underscoring the importance of physical fitness within the Navy and fostering community relations.

    The event, which witnessed an impressive turnout, is part of a broader initiative by the Nigerian Navy to maintain high fitness standards among its personnel.

    “We conduct sports activities daily, with special emphasis on Wednesdays, but this quarterly march brings everyone together to highlight the critical role of physical readiness,” said Rear Admiral Hassan.

    According to Rear Admiral Hassan, the routine exercises are crucial not just for physical conditioning but also for operational effectiveness. “The importance of fitness cannot be over-emphasized, as it enables our men to perform optimally in their respective operational areas,” he noted.

    In addition to enhancing military readiness, the march serves to strengthen the bonds between naval personnel and the civilian community.

    Rear Admiral Hassan emphasized the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious relationship with civilians, reflecting on their primary role in ensuring the happiness and safety of the public.

    The Quarterly Road March is set to be a regular feature in the Navy’s calendar, with hopes it will continue to promote health, teamwork, and mutual respect between the sailors and the communities they protect.

  • NN Officer Rear Admiral CE Okafor (RTD) Receives British Alexander Dalrymple Award

    NN Officer Rear Admiral CE Okafor (RTD) Receives British Alexander Dalrymple Award

    In a remarkable achievement, Rear Admiral CE Okafor (rtd) of the Nigerian Navy has been awarded the prestigious Alexander Dalrymple Award for 2023. This esteemed accolade, initiated by the UK Government in 2006, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of hydrography, cartography, and navigational safety.

    Rear Admiral CE Okafor (rtd) was selected by the UK Hydrographic Office’s Committee for his outstanding dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s national hydrographic capacity. His efforts led Nigeria to become the first country in West Africa to produce indigenous international navigational charts in both paper and electronic formats. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in establishing a national hydrographic survey fleet equipped with full charting capability.

    The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in London, England, where Rear Admiral CE Okafor (rtd) was honored for his remarkable achievements. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, along with all the Officers and men of the Nigerian Navy, extend heartfelt congratulations to Rear Admiral CE Okafor (rtd). His exceptional contributions have not only elevated Nigeria’s hydrography capacity but have also left a lasting impact globally.

  • Customs: Comptroller Shuaibu Takes Over FOU Zone ‘B’ As Controller

    Customs: Comptroller Shuaibu Takes Over FOU Zone ‘B’ As Controller

    In a significant transition ceremony held at the Unit’s Headquarters in Kaduna yesterday, April 17, 2024, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi officially handed over the mantle of leadership of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna to Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu.

    Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Wada thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale MFR, for his support and acknowledged the dedication and unwavering support of the Officers and Men of the Unit throughout his tenure.

    Addressing the officers and men of the unit, Comptroller Wada urged them to extend the same level of support and dedication to Comptroller Shuaibu, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success.

    In his remarks, the new Comptroller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, attributed his assignment to the Unit to the Almighty Allah and expressed gratitude to the CGC and his management team for their support. He commended his predecessor for his achievements and solicited the cooperation of all security agencies and the press in fulfilling the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and focus among the officers and men of the unit in the discharge of their duties, highlighting the critical role they play in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, trade facilitation, and national security.

    The transition ceremony drew support from various stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, the Commandant of the Nigeria Police College, Kaduna, and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, among others. They commended Comptroller Wada for his dedication to duty and expressed well wishes for his future endeavors.

    Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed confidence in the leadership transition and reiterated the unit’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and fostering collaboration for a brighter future.

    Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, the immediate past Area Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command, Idi-Iroko, assumes his new role, while Comptroller CD Wada has been redeployed to the NCS Headquarters, Abuja, as the Comptroller Enforcement.

  • Customs Comptroller General Collaborates With Voice of Nigeria To Boost Public Awareness

    Customs Comptroller General Collaborates With Voice of Nigeria To Boost Public Awareness

    In a bid to bolster public awareness and enhance communication with citizens, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, embarked on a significant visit to the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Corporate Headquarters on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

    The rendezvous saw a warm reception extended to the CGC by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndache, who lauded Adeniyi’s notable achievements. Expressing gratitude for the CGC’s continuous and immense support, Ndache commended Adeniyi’s outreach to stakeholders and partnerships with various media organizations.

    Acknowledging Adeniyi’s distinguished career, Ndache praised his integrity and leadership qualities, hailing him as an astute Public Relations expert with extensive experience.

    In response, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of open governance and aligned his commitment with the administration’s goals under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on economic recovery, political stability, and national security.

    Recognizing VON’s pivotal role in disseminating government policies, Adeniyi pledged the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering support for VON in raising public awareness.

    Furthermore, Adeniyi highlighted the recent inauguration of the National Single Window project steering committee and underscored the significance of collaboration and partnership among major agencies.

    In closing, Adeniyi expressed his enthusiasm for collaboration with VON, particularly in utilizing its platforms to reach border communities and ensure they are well-informed about NCS policies and activities.

    The visit signifies a promising partnership aimed at fostering transparency, enhancing public awareness, and promoting mutual cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Voice of Nigeria.

  • Navy Combats Rising Stowaway Incidents in Lagos Waters

    Navy Combats Rising Stowaway Incidents in Lagos Waters

    The Nigerian Navy has reported a significant increase in stowaway cases within Nigerian territorial waters, citing concerns over the growing trend. According to the Nigerian Navy, from August 2023 to April 2024, approximately 75 stowaways were apprehended in various operations aimed at curbing this perilous activity.

    Under the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Navy has enhanced its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities. This includes deploying advanced equipment that enables Quick Response Teams (QRT) to efficiently monitor and address security threats in Nigeria’s waters.

    The details released by the Navy indicate a persistent problem, with incidents recorded across multiple vessels. For instance, the MSC Martha and the MT UOG Constantine encountered stowaways in August 2023 and December 2023, respectively, with the latter finding 14 individuals hidden within the vessel.

    All individuals apprehended were found in critical hiding spots like rudder compartments, posing severe risks to their health due to harsh conditions, lack of sustenance, and potential injuries. Following their recovery, the stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further processing and legal action.

    The Nigerian Navy has issued a stern warning against the dangers of stowaway attempts, which include not only legal repercussions but also significant health risks, and possibly death. The Navy’s ongoing efforts to tackle this issue reflect a broader commitment to maintaining security and safety in Nigeria’s maritime territories.

    Commodore A Adams-Aliu, the Director of Information for the Navy, emphasized the need for public awareness and urged the media to help disseminate the risks associated with stowaway behaviors, especially to discourage the youth from such hazardous undertakings.

  • Customs Mourns Officer Killed In Katsina, Vows To Strengthen Border Security

    Customs Mourns Officer Killed In Katsina, Vows To Strengthen Border Security

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is in mourning following the tragic death of Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna, who was killed during a violent clash at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State on the morning of April 17, 2024.

    The confrontation erupted when Haruna and his team from the Katsina Area Command engaged over fifty vehicles suspected of illegally transporting goods across the border. The attempt to intercept the convoy led to a brutal assault by an enraged mob, resulting in Haruna’s death. He was subsequently laid to rest according to Islamic rites in his hometown of Kayawa, under the Dutsi Local Government Area.

    Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed profound grief over the incident and extended his deepest condolences to Haruna’s family. He strongly condemned the violent act and promised a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

    “This loss underscores the dangerous challenges our officers face daily while protecting our nation’s borders,” stated CGC Adeniyi. He reassured that the NCS is committed to the safety of its personnel and will continue its efforts to combat smuggling and other illegal activities threatening Nigeria’s security and economic stability.

    The NCS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the security of the nation and its citizens.

error: Content is protected !!