Category: Maritime Sector

The vigilant efforts of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft’s patrol team, led by Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, led to the successful interception and apprehension of three stowaways attempting illegal migration aboard the Tanker Vessel FRONT Altiers.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, 27th December 2023, at Lagos road stead, was a testament to the team’s proactive measures based on credible intelligence. The team executed a thorough search, meticulously uncovering the stowaways concealed within the vessel’s rudder compartment, thwarting their perilous attempt to embark on a hazardous journey to Europe.

The individuals identified as Ebuka Daniel (29 years old, Enugu state), Samuel Abraham (32 years old, Edo State), and Christian Happy (32 years old, Delta state) were discovered to have gained access to the vessel with the aid of fishermen, having paid fees of twenty thousand naira and five thousand naira, respectively.

The swift and decisive actions of the patrol team not only prevented the stowaways from risking their lives in treacherous conditions but also averted potential security risks associated with unauthorized access to maritime vessels. Subsequently, the individuals have been disembarked and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for necessary legal procedures.

This incident underscores the critical role played by the Nigerian Navy in maritime security, highlighting their commitment to upholding the rule of law. It showcases the unwavering dedication and vigilance of the naval forces, demonstrating Vice Admiral EI Ogalla’s leadership as Chief of the Naval Staff.

In a proactive display of maritime security vigilance, the patrol team of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft executed a successful interception and extraction operation, removing 14 stowaways from the Motor Tanker UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead on Friday, 15th December 2023.

Commander NNS Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, unveiled that prompt action was initiated based on intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. Tactical teams swiftly boarded the vessel and detected movements within the rudder compartment.

Among the apprehended stowaways, two had previously been arrested for a similar offense just a month ago, highlighting the persistent nature of such illicit activities. The decisive actions of the patrol team averted potentially life-threatening conditions for the individuals confined within the vessel’s compartment, underscoring the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime safety.

The arrested individuals, hailing from various states across Nigeria, were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in adherence to established protocols for further necessary action.

The incident further emphasizes the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional role under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval staff. This resolute stance reinforces their commitment to ensuring a secure maritime environment conducive to the nation’s economic prosperity.

A press statement released by Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer for the Ag. Customs Area Command of Ogun 1 Area Command, sheds light on a recent incident involving operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to the statement, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, along the Lanfewa/Enu gada axis of Ogun State, operatives from the Ogun 1 Area Command were involved in evacuating smuggled goods from two faulty vehicles used for transportation. During this operation, they encountered an attack allegedly instigated by hoodlums suspected to be working for the smugglers of the confiscated goods.

The severity of the attack, deemed as a threat to the lives of the officers, prompted a call for reinforcement. In response, the operatives defended themselves around 7:15 AM, repelling the assailants to ensure their safety. No casualties were reported, and the seized goods were safely conveyed to the Government Warehouse at Customs House in Abeokuta.

The statement emphasized the commitment of the Command, led by the Acting Customs Area Controller Ahmadu Shuaibu, to prioritize the safety of the host communities and denounced the indiscriminate use of firearms. However, it stressed that in situations posing serious threats to life, the rules of engagement dictate necessary actions for self-protection.

Expressing regret over the potential fear caused among residents and the public during the incident, the Command assured its dedication to upholding the safety of Ogun State residents while executing lawful duties. It reiterated the commitment to operating within the confines of the law and adhering to rules of engagement.

Highlighting provisions within the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the statement underscored penalties, including a five-million-naira fine and imprisonment for five years, for obstructing, molesting, or assaulting officers on lawful duty. Additionally, Section 226 of the NCSA grants Customs operatives the authority to conduct patrols freely, relevant to their anti-smuggling operations in Ogun State.

The statement stands as an official response from the Nigeria Customs Service regarding the incident and reaffirms the commitment to maintaining lawfulness and ensuring the safety of communities in the region.

The Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA, recently held a grand graduation ceremony, marking the successful completion of courses for a significant number of officers. Commodore Adamu Yahaya, the Commandant of NNS QUORRA, presided over the event, which saw the graduation of 100 students from two distinct courses.

In a commendable feat, a total of 55 officers successfully completed the rigorous Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course, while another 45 officers concluded the demanding Officers’ Long Course.

The ceremony was a culmination of their hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout their training at the esteemed institution.

Commandant Commodore Adamu Yahaya, in his speech, expressed immense pride and congratulated the graduates for their outstanding achievement.

He acknowledged the significance of the day, emphasizing the importance of the momentous occasion in the lives of the freshly graduated officers.

The Commandant emphasized the pivotal role played by the Nigerian Navy in shaping and nurturing these officers, highlighting the institution’s investment in honing their skills and preparing them for future assignments.

He urged the graduating officers to uphold the Navy’s core values of professionalism and integrity as they transition into their next phase of service.

Additionally, Commodore Yahaya assured the attendees of ongoing efforts to enhance various aspects within the school, such as improving teaching aids, upgrading learning environments, and catering to the welfare of instructors and staff.

Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla who was represented by Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, FOC Naval dockyard Limited underscored the profound effort invested by the officers, recognizing their sleepless nights and unwavering commitment to meeting the rigorous demands of their training. 

Highlighting the paramount importance of the maritime domain and its strategic role, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s maritime territory.

He acknowledged the myriad challenges faced in executing these responsibilities and underscored the indispensable need for well-trained personnel capable of countering multifaceted threats.

Commending the officers for their enhanced competencies and specialized skills acquired during their training, he hailed their crucial roles as enforcers of maritime laws and sentinels of Nigeria’s maritime environment. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla celebrated the officers’ growth in core competencies, aligning them with the demands of their naval duties.

Asserting the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to modernization and expansion, he lauded the officers for their world-class training standards and assured them of potential certification benefits from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the future.

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of key figures, including Rear Admiral PC Nwatu, who played instrumental roles in aligning training standards with global benchmarks set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The event not only marked the achievements of these 100 officers but also served as a testament to the dedication and commitment of NNS QUORRA in shaping skilled and competent officers for the Nigerian Navy. 

Under the steadfast initiative, Operation Water Guard, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft has achieved a significant milestone in maritime security. In a meticulously executed interception, the Patrol Team, helmed by Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, seized a colossal wooden vessel off Lagos Anchorage, laden with over 5,000 kilograms of suspected Cannabis Sativa on the 7th of December 2023.

The operational triumph is credited to a fusion of reliable human intelligence and the sophisticated Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment. This synergistic approach showcases the Navy’s dedication to fortifying maritime security for sustained economic growth.

The interception resulted in the apprehension of two foreign suspects, identified as Mr. Emmanuel Doedcher and Mr. Godswil John Olamide, both hailing from Ghana. Alongside the suspects, the confiscated vessel and its illegal cargo were promptly handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings.

This successful mission underscores the Nigerian Navy’s resolute commitment to curbing the impact of drug trafficking, recognized as a catalyst for various crimes and threats to national security.

The operation stands in alignment with Vice Admiral EI Ogalla’s Strategic Directives, emphasizing collaborative efforts with stakeholders, institutions, and government agencies to combat maritime criminal activities effectively.

The Nigeria Customs Service basketball club showcased their exceptional skill set and dominance in the African Women’s Basketball League 2023 Zone III Qualification matches, securing commendable victories in two enthralling encounters.

In Alexandria, Egypt, the Nigeria team, guided by Coach Abdulrahman Mohamed, exhibited sheer prowess, securing a convincing 57-46 victory over Universite de Douala. The team took charge early, seizing control of the first and second quarters (12-11, 20-8), establishing a commanding 13-point lead at halftime.

D’Tigress player and Team Captain, a 2023 Afrobasket winner, delivered a breathtaking performance, achieving a double-double with 20 points and 19 rebounds, accompanied by 4 assists, 4 steals, and three blocks, culminating in an impressive efficiency rating of 32. Olaoluwatomi Taiwo added 14 points and 4 rebounds to bolster the team’s success.

With an astounding display of dominance on the boards, Nigeria Customs outrebounded their opponents 62-42, showcasing superior teamwork with a 19-7 advantage in assists.

The Nigeria Customs Women’s Basketball Club continued their triumphant streak back in Abuja at the MO Arena, clinching a hard-fought victory over the MFM Basketball Club of Lagos, securing a final score of 55-49 in a closely contested match.

Captain Nkem Akarawe’s exceptional performance, marked by a back-to-back double of 16 rebounds and 15 points, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Despite an initial resilient effort from MFM in the first quarter, Nigeria Customs maintained composure to emerge victorious.

Captain Nkem Akarawe extended gratitude to CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR for his unwavering support and acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the club during a post-match statement.

The Nigeria Customs team now gears up to face Kenya Port Authority in a highly anticipated clash on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum in the competition.