Category: Military

The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have successfully intercepted a significant cache of illegal ammunition, thwarting an attempt to smuggle 975 rounds of live cartridges concealed in sacks of foreign parboiled rice into the country’s borders at Idiroko.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu vehemently condemned the smuggling of ammunition, highlighting the potential catastrophic consequences and emphasizing the necessity for collective action beyond security agencies.

Detailing the operational success, Shuaibu revealed that the operation, orchestrated by vigilant operatives, unfolded on Monday, November 27, 2023, when intelligence led them to discover five suspiciously packed bags of foreign parboiled rice along the Palace/Ayetoro road in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to him, the meticulous examination of these bags revealed an alarming concealment of 975 rounds of live ammunition cleverly stashed within the rice sacks.

Shuaibu stated that this meticulous operation, executed on Monday, unraveled the intricate plans of criminals attempting to smuggle these cartridges through the Imeko axis of Ogun State.

Shuaibu commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in uncovering the hidden ammunition.

He emphasized the paramount importance of proactive intelligence and collaborative efforts in curbing the smuggling of arms and ammunition, stressing the severe implications of unchecked trafficking, which could empower criminal entities and compromise national security.

The Acting CAC underscored the need for collective action beyond security agencies, urging all Nigerians to support efforts to combat these illegal activities.

In his words: “Only God knows the number of lives that would have been lost if these cartridges got in. Kidnapping and banditry must be brought to book in this country. We enjoin all Nigerians and not only the security agencies to come together and support the fight against these activities.

“We were able to intercept these items through intelligence and devoid of any loss of live. We want to show the world that this is an injurious way of smuggling ammunition into the country. The owners of these items will be brought to book.

“This happened on Monday and this is the first time we are apprehending ammunition at this axis. Our responsibility is to checkmate smuggling as it is not possible to eradicate smuggling.  These are criminals who wants to beat the intelligence of law enforcement” he noted.

In his closing remarks, Shuaibu reiterated the unwavering commitment of the agency, underscoring their dedication to promoting national security and economic well-being.

He expressed gratitude for the support received from the Customs Management Team, the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+), and sister agencies, emphasizing their resolve to fulfill their statutory responsibilities in service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT recently intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 150 bags of foreign parboiled rice within the Lagos Anchorage. The seized rice was subsequently handed over to the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in a bid to curb illegal importation and support local agricultural initiatives.

Commander NNS BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, announced this development during a press briefing in Lagos on Monday.

He detailed how the bags of rice were apprehended in the early hours of November 25th through the collaborative efforts of the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment, and the Base Quick Response Team as part of Operation Water Guard.

Commodore Oguntuga emphasized that adhering to established protocols, the seized rice was transported to the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and officially handed over to Nigeria Customs Service officials for necessary actions.

Highlighting the significance of intercepting contraband, particularly foreign rice imports, Commodore Oguntuga stressed its positive impact on local farmers’ efforts to enhance revenue generation.

He stated, “The Navy’s actions will undoubtedly aid local farmers in combating poverty and food insecurity, fostering economic prosperity in the country.”

Assuring continued vigilance, the Commander pledged the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to enforcing customs laws and supporting government policies aimed at empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.

Oguntuga concluded by affirming that such interceptions showcased the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast dedication under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, in curbing illegal activities within the nation’s maritime domain.

…say indigenous shipowners will be supported

The Federal Government is considering the re-establishment of a National carrier for the nation’s shipping sector.

It said the National Shipping Line will be established through a strategic Private Public Partnership (PPP ) arrangement, borne out of it’s desire to capture a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country.

It said the initiative will not in anyway seek to impede the growth of local players but rather provides an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this disclosure during a stakeholders engagement on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector, held in Lagos.

According to the minister, the forum was convened to bring together players in the sector to discuss and chart a roadmap/direction that will advance the industry’s potential, promote sustainable Blue Economy investments and ensure global competitiveness within the sector.

He noted that the model, a collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight, will bring about transformative impact on the marine and blue economy as well as boost the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, reinforcing the ministry’s collaborative and forward-looking approach.

Some areas of discussion at the Roundtable bothered on strengthening the Blue Governance; Transforming Port Operations; Enhancing Port Infrastructure; and Promoting Blue Economy Investments.

Oyetola said, “There is an urgent need for a collaborative effort to brainstorm and devise strategies to leverage our marine resources for the betterment of the economy and safety of our planet. It is imperative we come up with practicable ways of ensuring that our Inland Rivers, Lakes and Waterways are well utilised for cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

“This Engagement Forum is crucial to the development of the sector as it offers an opportunity for us all to collectively contribute our perspectives, ideas and offer relevant inputs that can propel the sector to the trajectory of success necessary to support the development of the economy as well as meet the expectations of Mr. President who took the courage to open up Nigeria to focus on the Blue Economy Value Chain.

“The zeal for a better life for Nigerians propelled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recently unveil 8 Presidential Priorities to address critical national challenges. These priorities are to be delivered through 8 focus areas, namely: economic growth, food security, energy and natural resources, infrastructure development, security, healthcare, education, improved governance, and job creation.

“Our Ministry though new, is not resting on its oars and has continued to foster Inter-Agency collaborations and implement initiatives to promote Port efficiency, cargo shipment, maritime security and tap into the resources of the Seabed.

“The ministry’s decision to consider the re-establishment of a National Shipping Line, through a strategic PPP arrangement, is borne out of our desire to capture a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country.

“This initiative will not seek to impede the growth of local players but rather to provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs. This would enable our local businesses to better leverage the Carbotage Act, which gives Nigerians the exclusive right to control locally generated seaborne trade.

“Other anticipated outcomes include the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, reinforcing our collaborative and forward-looking approach”.

The Minister who said he is acquainted with the sector’s challenges, assured of his commitment to “bequeathing to Nigerians a better sector than we have met today”.

He assured that the Stakeholders’ Engagement will be a continuum, “since it is important that we normalise this harmonious synergy and work together to ensure that our industry is safe, reliable and sustainable”, Oyetola concluded.
Earlier, in her keynote address, this Permanent Secretary, Mr. Magdalene Ajani, said the Maritime Sector is a major source of revenue earnings for the Country, and an enabler of trade and a key engine of economic growth and sustainable development.

She said Nigeria is blessed with so much aqua and so has an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) making it a natural hub for shipping and International Trade for most landlocked neighboring nations in West and Central African region.

“Our Maritime industry is also blessed with many experts including captain of Maritime Industries, indigenous ship owners, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping lines, barge operators, maritime lawyers, stevedoring companies, women groups etc who are in this hall today and have paid huge sacrifices in advancing the Nigerian Maritime Industry to its presence state” she added.

The Nigerian Navy is seeking the construction of a jetty in Badagry to enable it protect the site of the proposed $3 billion refinery in Tongeji Island in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

This is even as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan are scheduled to embark on an on the spot accessment of the entire Tongeji Island.

Admiral Hassan made this demand when the Senate Committee on Defense Navy, visited the Headquarters of the Command in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Flag Officer, expressed concern over the increasing activities of smugglers around creeks in the Badagry area of the state, insisting that criminal activities around the area was becoming worrisome.

“I am not only worried about Illegal Unregulated and Unreported Fishing in my area of responsibility, but very worried about the activities of smugglers who engaged themselves in unwholesome activities.

“Monies realized from smuggling might be used for the purchase of arms if allowed to go unchecked.

“We are demanding for the construction of a Jetty in Badagry for effective patrol and monitoring of our waters

“Tongeji is an oil rich island that must be protected. The Ogun State Governor and myself are scheduled to visit the Island on an accessment visit” he said

Responding to the demand, the chairman Senate Committee on Defense Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, said Nigerian Navy is blessed with dedicated and professional personnel.

He said the capability of personnel of the navy is never in doubt and that he will take the demand of the navy to the Senate.

An Oil spill response firm from the United Kingdom has joined Total Energy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to tackle the crude oil spill from Egina.

With this Nigeria may be losing about 2.3 million barrel of crude oil as a result of spill from Egina oil field in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Daily Trust investigation learnt.

Egina is a Floating Production and Storage and Offloading (FPSO). Discovered in 2003, the Egina oil field is located at water depth of between 1,400 and 1,700 metres, 200 kilometer offshore from Port Harcourt and it’s is operated by TotalEnergies.

Egina FPSO is 330 metres in length,61 metre across and 34 metre high and with a storage capacity of 2.3 million barrel.

The Crude oil spill incident took place during loading operations in Egina around 6.30am on November 15, 2023.

It has continued to spread since then despite concerted efforts by NIMASA, TotalEnergies, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA, and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC to contain the spillage.

Though the volume of spill is not yet confirmed, Total Energies is currently providing aerial surveillance, dispersant application, while further mobilization is being considered.

Reconnaissance survey of the impacted area confirms that the shoreline communities of Andoni, Qua-Iboe terminals, Bonny Island, Opobo/Nkoro and Eastern Obolo, which are closest to Egina, are not yet affected.

NIMASA is working closely with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA, and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC from the Crisis Management Room CMR, where the spill is being monitored real time using oil spill monitoring software from the Emergency Response Center.

The Oil Spill Response Limited from the United Kingdom is also assisting with pollution control measures.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, noted in a statement signed by the Head of the Public Relations unit of the Agency, Mr. Edward Osagie, noted that the Agency is in collaboration with all stakeholders to control the pollution and also put in place measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, in line with provisions of the MARPOL Convention.

“Since the incident happened, our men have been liaising with other organs of Government to ensure the pollution is effectively controlled and managed, to protect the marine environment and the communities close to the incident point.

“Accidents do happen, it’s what we do thereafter that matters and I believe that the IOC Total, working with NIMASA, NUPRC, NOSDRA and collaborating with international service providers, will surely ensure proper management of the spill” he said.

Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, conveyed the Nigerian Navy’s keen interest in partnering with the Department of Fisheries and Agriculture.

This collaboration aims to bolster capacity building, conduct joint patrols, and enhance electronic surveillance to harness the benefits of the blue economy.

The FOC shared this vision during a courtesy visit to the Director of the Department of Fisheries, represented by Deputy Director Mrs. Oladosu Olanike, in Lagos.

Acknowledging the historical rapport between both organizations, Admiral Hassan assured the Fisheries Department of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combatting diverse maritime crimes. This visit was part of the FOC’s ongoing tour across the Western Naval Command Area of Responsibility.

Recognizing the limitations in patrol platforms within the Fisheries Department, the FOC proposed the deployment of Fisheries Department personnel aboard Nigerian Navy ships during patrols. This joint initiative would ensure the enforcement of fisheries regulations at sea, contributing significantly to the advancement of the blue economy. This aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasizing effective ocean governance and fostering the country’s blue economy.

Admiral Hassan further advocated for collaborative efforts through onshore training for Nigerian Navy crew members. This training aims to enhance their skills in implementing fisheries regulations during sea operations, especially in scenarios where fisheries department personnel might not be present.

In response, the Director of Fisheries affirmed the department’s readiness to collaborate extensively with the Nigerian Navy. She expressed optimism about nurturing a progressive relationship between the two organizations, focusing on joint efforts towards maritime safety, regulation enforcement, and the growth of the nation’s blue economy.

Commander Patricia Ochei, Command Information Officer of the Western Naval Command, disclosed these developments, highlighting the mutual commitment of the Nigerian Navy and the Fisheries Department towards fostering enhanced maritime governance, regulation enforcement, and the promotion of the blue economy in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Navy (NN) successfully executed a daring maritime rescue operation, saving the Cameroonian-flagged Motor Fishing Vessel AFKI (MFV AFKI) after it drifted off course for four weeks.

The vessel, identified by its registration number UK12 and IMO number AFKI 8432780, encountered engine trouble while en route from Bangul in Gambia to Congo Kinshasa on October 24, 2023. Depleted fuel led to the vessel straying into Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone after drifting from the coast of Sao Tome and Principe.

Despite futile attempts by the vessel owners to locate it, a Note Verbale from the Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy revealed that the MFV AFKI’s last known location was approximately 72 nautical miles off the Nigerian coast.

Responding swiftly to the distress call, the Nigerian Navy deployed the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DORINA, equipped with Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, for a Search and Rescue Operation (SAR). On November 17, 2023, at approximately 2000 hours, NNS DORINA successfully located and made contact with the distressed vessel 17 nautical miles off Pennington terminal.

Upon boarding, two foreign crew members were found onboard. Thorough checks by the NNS DORINA Boarding Party confirmed no involvement in illicit activities aboard the vessel. Consequently, NNS DORINA towed the MFV AFKI, with assistance from NNS IKENNE, to Escravos, Delta State.

The NN’s Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS assumed custody of the fishing vessel for further administrative procedures, preparing for its handover to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The MFV AFKI had drifted aimlessly for almost a month before the Navy’s rescue operation.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to maritime safety, emphasizing collaboration with local and international partners to ensure the security of vessels and crew operating within Nigerian waters.

“This rescue operation aligns with the NN’s mandate for Safety of Life at Sea and Search and Rescue, in line with Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s Command Philosophy.

Commodore AO Ayo-Vaughan, Director of Information, issued the statement, highlighting the NN’s relentless pursuit of excellence, professionalism, ethics, and respect for human rights in executing its duties.

The successful rescue of the drifting Cameroonian fishing vessel MFV AFKI stands as a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to safeguarding maritime operations and ensuring the safety of all seafarers navigating these waters.

The Western Naval Command ceremoniously inaugurated the Fourth Quarter Sea Exercise, named EX EJA EXPRESSION, showcasing a multifaceted approach encompassing various maritime activities to enhance operational readiness and efficiency. The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan Gss FC(+) nwc(+) psc(+) (+) MA MSc MNIM welcomed participants, emphasizing the exercise’s significance and objectives.

Moreover, fleet maneuvers, gunnery exercises, vertical insertion, and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) training using helicopters and interceptor boats constitute key components of the exercise. Communication exercises and seamanship evolutions are also integral parts of the operation.

Hassan said that the name derived from both the Yoruba and English languages, “EJA,” meaning “Fish” in English, encapsulates the exercise’s essence. Among its core aims is addressing Illegal Unregulated and Unreported Fishing (IUUF) prevalent in the Gulf of Guinea. 

The exercise is a multi-faceted outing and the name gives an inclination of the ideas behind it.

“It is well known that Illegal Unregulated and Unreported Fishing (IUUF) is significant in the GuIf of Guinea.

“Therefore, to hone our skills in our policing role, we will train today on vertical insertion and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) using our helicopters and interceptor boats,” he said.

The FOC added that other exercises like communication, and seamanship evolutions among others would also form part of the operation.

“The Western Naval Command is therefore launching this exercise to work up her ships and personnel in keeping up with our constitutional responsibilities.

“EX EJA EXPRESSION will greatly enhance the proficiency of Nigerian Navy personnel in the command and also enable us to test the operational state of our machinery,” Hassan said.

Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Doctrine Command Rear Admiral Habila Zakaria, who flagged off the exercise said that the exercise was to assess the fleet’s readiness to combat situations.

“The function of the Western Naval Doctrine Command is to conduct combat readiness assessments of all the fleets within the Nigeria Navy.

“This is to ensure that the fleets are always prepared to carry out their functions, whether during wartime or peacetime,” he said.

Zakaria said that the assessment would be based on conducting maritime operations, aspects of war-fighting, and checking how the ships carry out exercises to evaluate their major operational readiness.

“In a nutshell, as a Naval Doctrine Command, we will assess and work on them, contributing to the combatant CNS exercises,” he said.

The presence of Rear Admiral Zakaria, FOC Naval Doctrine Command, adds to the exercise’s depth, contributing to the assessment of combat readiness. The FOC urged personnel to demonstrate prowess, emphasizing the importance of a stellar performance to achieve commendable results.

The exercise, aligned with the Western Naval Command’s constitutional responsibilities, aims to refine the skills of naval personnel while assessing the operational state of machinery. Collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, underscore the significance of partnerships in fortifying interoperability and enhancing security within maritime domains. This collaborative approach contributes to the overarching goal of fostering a vibrant blue economy.

Hassan acknowledged the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, and the unwavering support provided, ensuring a safer environment for economic activities within the area of responsibility. Recognition was extended to sister services, security agencies, and maritime stakeholders for their consistent collaboration in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Expressing commitment to facilitating legitimate business activities within the waterways, the Western Naval Command called upon the public to share credible information to aid in eradicating criminal activities. Assurances were made regarding continued collaboration between the Command and the public for the nation’s greater good.