Category: Military

In a strategic move, the Nigerian Navy implemented a minor shake-up, redeploying a total of 24 Rear Admirals and seven Commodores in a recent announcement. This reshuffling of appointments, revealed yesterday, marks the first collective redeployment orchestrated by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, since his major appointments last June.

Among the notable changes, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, previously Chief of Communications and Information Technology at Naval Headquarters, has been redeployed to the Defence Headquarters as DHQ – D DEF Cooperative. Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, former Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation at Defence Headquarters, is now the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (NASS).

Other significant redeployments include Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwade moving to Eastern Naval Command (ENC) as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), and Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara appointed FOC Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC).

For Commodores, MY Abba has been moved from NHQ to DELTA as COMD, and Commodore Kolawale O. Oguntuga has shifted from NNS BEECROFT to NHQ as PSO to the Chief of Naval Staff, with Commodore RT Oladejo taking over command at NNS BEECROFT.
Source: Thisday Newspaper

In the midst of multifaceted discussions on security challenges, the focal point of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is to honour fallen heroes, veterans, and the men on the force, urging a collective effort for improved welfare conditions for the Nigerian army.

During an interview, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, the Flag Officer Command of Naval Training Command Apapa, highlighted the importance of the Remembrance Day, emphasizing its role in sustaining the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the defense of the nation.

In response to questions regarding the challenges faced by the men in the force, Nwatu acknowledged the multifaceted nature of security concerns, pointing out the emphasis on celebration and remembrance day as a broader initiative under the Ministry of Defence. He commended the ongoing efforts to sustain the armed forces’ capabilities, especially in terms of equipment and welfare.

Discussing the unpredictability of a soldier’s life, Nwatu underscored the challenges faced by service personnel, where their postings and duties are subject to the discretion of superior authority. He emphasized the crucial role of leadership in maintaining morale among the troops and ensuring their commitment to the defense of the nation.

Responding to concerns about the treatment of civilians by some members of the armed forces, Nwatu acknowledged the need for better civil-military relations. He explained the complexities of the security environment in Nigeria, where distinguishing between insurgents and military personnel becomes challenging due to the misuse of camouflage by nefarious actors. Nwatu expressed optimism that as the security situation normalizes, there may be opportunities to encourage a closer connection between civilians and the military.

On the issue of remuneration and the bureaucratic processes surrounding the disclosure of casualties, Nwatu acknowledged the statutory guidelines in place and assured that efforts are being made to expedite the processes. He stressed the importance of verifying and authenticating information before disclosing the status of service personnel to their families.

Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu called for continued support for the armed forces from the public and emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to address challenges and foster a stronger connection between the military and civilians. As the nation commemorates Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the call for improved welfare and understanding of the sacrifices made by the armed forces remains at the forefront of the national conversation.

No attacker of our personnel will be spared from facing the full wrath of the law — Comptroller Ejibunu

In a remarkable display of anti-smuggling efforts, the Federal Operations Units (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) comprising Lagos and Ogun States says it made 1,119 seizures worth a total duty paid value of ₦10,395,123,943.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, the Controller of the Command, Comptroller Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, shared the impressive achievements highlighting the unit’s diligence in prosecuting the fight against smuggling, leading to a staggering 1,119 seizures with a total duty paid value of N10,395,123,943. 

According to him, the seized items included foreign parboiled rice, vehicles, marijuana, tramadol, used tyres, foreign frozen poultry products, footwears, petroleum products, and lots more.

The most significant among the seizures was 139 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, totaling 83,170 bags. Additionally, the Unit confiscated 13,706 kegs of PMS, 8,372 kg of Indian Hemp, 2,942 pieces of tyres, 2,153 bales of used clothes, 3,095 cartons of frozen poultry, and 320 cartons of illicit drugs.

Comptroller Ejibunu noted that a total of 136 suspected smugglers were arrested, and after thorough profiling and investigation, they were charged to court. Notably, 16 individuals were convicted through the Federal High Courts for various offenses, including improper importation, assault of Customs officers, possession of foreign parboiled rice, and possession of Pangolin scales meant for export.

The CAC also added that his Unit successfully recovered N851,719,905.01 in Revenue through meticulous document checking.

Ejibunu emphasized the identification of duty payment shortfalls, issuing Demand Notices, and recovering accurate Revenue that could have been lost to non-compliant business practices.

Comptroller Ejibunu affirmed the Unit’s commitment to intensifying efforts in 2024, vowing not to relent in making seizures, arrests, and prosecuting criminals who contravene the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

He issued a stern warning to potential attackers of Customs officers, stating that they would face the full wrath of the law.

Ejibunu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and members of the Management Team.

He also acknowledged compliant traders within the Zone for their cooperation in the fight against smuggling. The Command remains resolute in its mission to safeguard national interests and uphold the rule of law in customs enforcement.

In his words: “With the morale and logistics support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, we were able to prosecute the fight against smuggling diligently by making seizures, effecting arrests and collecting revenue for government in the course of discharging our functions. 

“The report of our seizures and arrests being given to you today attests to the relentless and uncompromising enforcement we deployed in the fight against smuggling in 2023. It is indeed a fallout of the positive energy and selflessness we displayed in the course of our work. 

He affirmed that “Last year we made 1,119 seizures worth a total duty paid value of N10,395,123,943; comprising of rice, vehicles, marijuana, tramadol, used tyres, poultry products, footwears, petroleum products etc.

“The most prominent of the seizures is foreign parboiled rice which amounted to 139 trailer loads (83,170 bags of 50 kg, 13,706 kegs by 25 litres of PMS8, 372 Kg of Indian Hemp, 2,942 pieces of tyres, 2,153 bales of used clothes, 3,095 cartons of frozen poultry, 320 cartons illicit drugs.

“Others seizures includes: 15 pieces of bullet proof jackets, 15 pieces of jack knives, and 68 pieces of military camouflage, 450 drums X 106 kg of carbide,1 X 40 ft and 2 X 20 ft containers found to contain charcoal132 units of foreign used vehicles 

He continued: “16 people were convicted through the Federal High Courts for committing offences of improper importation, assault of Customs officers, being in possession of foreign parboiled rice and for being in possession of Pangolin scales meant for export. Some other smuggling related cases instituted in the courts are at various stages of prosecution and would be followed up diligently. 

“This year 2024, we shall continue, through our legal seat, to follow all pending court cases to logical conclusions. The Unit was able to recover a total of N851,719,905.01 as revenue through meticulous document checking.

“We were able to identify shortfalls in Duty payments from which Demand Notices were issued and accurate revenue were recovered. These are Revenues that would have been lost by the federal government to the pockets of some uncompliant business men.

“I want to reiterate that our battle to prevent smuggling will be intensified this year as we shall not relent in making seizures, arrests and prosecution of criminals who contravene the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. If they don’t desist from their criminal ways, this year will be tougher for them because they will lose their investments and freedom when arrested. 

“Let me put on record that we shall lawfully arrest and prosecute any individual involved in the attack of our officers who are discharging their legitimate responsibilities. No attacker of our personnel will be spared from facing the full wrath of the law” Ejibunu concluded.

A momentous event unfolded at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, January 4, 2024, as the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, decorated newly appointed Assistant Comptrollers-General (ACGs), Comptrollers, and other senior officers.

This ceremony followed the recent announcement by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of the appointments of ACGs Florence Nano Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu, alongside the promotion of 2,209 senior officers.

Amidst the presence of the NCS Management Team and the celebrants’ family members, the occasion marked a significant milestone within the service.

The CGC stressed that the 2023 promotion exercise recognized exceptional performance and merit among the officers. He urged all personnel to redouble their efforts, emphasizing that dedication and commitment to duty would be duly acknowledged and rewarded.

Acknowledging the varying promotions, he highlighted the significance of both regular and special promotions, particularly for those officers exhibiting exceptional dedication to advancing the service.

The call to action from the CGC resonated with his commitment to realizing the three-point agenda: Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Manthra.

Among the newly promoted officers to the rank of Comptroller are TM Daniyan, F Fajana, N Isyaku, MV Umana, AC Nwobi, F Abdulquadir, HK Ejibunu, FM Ojiofor, IN Aliyu, MD Malah, EO Oshoba, JK Oladeji, E Luka, AP Daruaku, FM Ojeifor, IN Nwokorie, EJ Harrison, and others.

The breakdown of promotions spans various ranks, from Inspector of Customs (IC) to Assistant Comptroller (AC), reflecting the diverse strides and commitment within the NCS.

In his congratulatory message, the CGC urged the newly appointed and promoted officers to intensify their contributions, focusing on critical roles encompassing revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Queen Obudu, extended her gratitude in a vote of thanks, expressing strong confidence in the capabilities of the officers to meet and exceed expectations in their roles. The ceremony culminated in an inspiring call for heightened dedication and commitment from the NCS officers as they forge ahead in their responsibilities.

The Naval Headquarters has raised concerns over fraudulent publications aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) relentless efforts to combat crude oil theft and other illegalities within the nation’s maritime domain.

In a statement by Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan, the Director of Information, the Navy vehemently refuted the baseless allegations and clarified its ongoing operations.

The NN highlighted the insidious nature of these efforts, orchestrated by unidentified individuals or organizations, utilizing third-party agents to undermine the NN’s resolute stance against crude oil theft. The Navy, while typically disinclined to dignify such falsehoods, deemed it necessary to counter these publications to prevent the public from being misled.

Asserting its constitutional mandate, the NN assured unwavering dedication to enhancing maritime security in collaboration with stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. The Navy clarified its engagement with private maritime stakeholders, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding critical onshore economic assets, provided strict adherence to professionalism and Standard Operating Procedures.

Citing its history of collaborations and various operations aimed at curbing maritime criminal activities, the NN outlined past and ongoing initiatives such as Operation DAKAR TA DABARWO, Operation CALM WATERS, Operation NCHEKWE OSHIMILI, and Exercise SEA GUARDIAN.

The statement underscored the NN’s significant achievements in combating crude oil theft throughout 2023, highlighting the arrest of suspects, confiscation of stolen crude oil and petroleum products, destruction of illegal refining sites, and the seizure of vehicles and vessels, amounting to over N105 billion. These operations, according to the NN, have contributed to the recent upsurge in oil production, as reported by relevant authorities and the media.

Addressing the orchestrated misinformation campaign, the NN attributed these efforts to criminal elements attempting to disrupt the Navy’s impactful crackdown on oil theft. Rear Admiral AO Ayo-Vaughan emphasized the Navy’s steadfast commitment under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s leadership and urged the public to disregard such unpatriotic publications.

The statement concluded by urging the public to reject these misleading campaigns and reiterated the NN’s determination to fulfill its constitutional obligations in safeguarding the national economy.

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.