Category: Military

The vigilant patrol team from the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT executed a successful extraction operation, apprehending four stowaways found aboard the Container Vessel TEME EXPRESS on Monday, November 13, 2023, while it was en route to Dubai.

Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, revealed that upon receiving intel from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment, tactical teams were dispatched to the vessel at Lagos Anchorage. Upon boarding, movements were detected within the rudder compartment, prompting the team to swiftly extract the stowaways.

The four identified stowaways: Ebi Agrive (22 years old) from Bayelsa state, Lucky Amusu (23 years old) from Lagos state, Goodness Edu (28 years old) from Akwa Ibom, and Micheal Daniel (18 years old) from Ondo state, were found with provisions, including a bag of snacks and sachet water. They were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols.

Commander Oguntuga emphasized the risks posed by such stowaway actions, endangering themselves during the prolonged sea voyage and posing security threats to the vessel’s crew, thereby tarnishing the nation’s image.

This apprehension and subsequent handover underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, in ensuring comprehensive maritime security for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

In a significant effort to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests, the Nigerian Navy’s Operation WATER GUARD, initiated to combat illicit activities, has achieved a major breakthrough. Leveraging electro-optic facilities and air assets, the operation successfully unearthed and dismantled several depots holding thousands of jerricans, both empty and filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Commander Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE/Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, addressed journalists following the discovery of these illegal depots. They were found in Iyaafin and Itsalu Communities within the Badagry inland area and adjoining creeks along the Nigeria-Benin Republic boundary.

Rear Admiral Hassan highlighted the swift and comprehensive action taken by naval personnel, who meticulously searched houses, schools, and recreational centers in these areas, uncovering a substantial quantity of illicitly stored petroleum products along with empty containers prepared for future storage.

Expressing concerns about potential hazards posed by such activities, Rear Admiral MB Hassan urged regulatory authorities to urgently review operations of petrol stations within the communities. This intervention is critical to preventing illicit activities and minimizing the risk of catastrophic fires that could have severe consequences on lives and property.

The FOC assured the public that the confiscated products would be safely evacuated, emphasizing the intensification of patrols to curb further economic sabotage.

This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s resolute commitment, led by Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, to maritime security and eradicating illicit activities within the nation’s maritime domain, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh has emphasized the pivotal role played by collaboration with the Nigerian Navy in enhancing maritime security within Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

This statement came during a significant gathering where he welcomed Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, along with a delegation of senior Naval officers in Lagos.

Jamoh highlighted the profound transformation witnessed in the security landscape of Nigerian waters, acknowledging that the transition from over 26 piracy incidents to zero piracy incidents in almost two years is a testament to the effective collaboration between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy.

He underscored the confidence instilled in stakeholders due to this collaboration, which has drawn interest from nations like Brazil and Ghana, eager to emulate the successful NIMASA-Naval model.

Reflecting on the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime sector, Jamoh stressed the imperative of translating policies into tangible benefits for Nigerians through the Blue Economy. He noted that collaboration with the Nigerian Navy remains a cornerstone in ensuring security as a priority for the development of maritime tourism and fishing sectors. In line with this vision, an eight-member committee, equally represented by both NIMASA and the Navy, has been formed to propel the country’s transition from Crude to Blue Economy, a campaign initiated in 2021.

Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan expressed appreciation for NIMASA’s non-kinetic support to the Western Naval Command and emphasized the importance of sustained information sharing between NIMASA and the Navy. He urged NIMASA’s support for ‘Operation Water Guard’ to counter smuggling activities around the Badagry channel. Rear Admiral Hassan, accompanied by Commodore OA Akinbami, acknowledged the functional Deep Blue assets and advocated for strengthened collaboration between the Western Naval Command and NIMASA’s C4i center.

Furthermore, Rear Admiral Hassan highlighted the potential of Tongeji Island in Badagry, situated between Nigeria and Benin Republic, as an oil-rich island with immense prospects for maritime tourism. He underscored the island’s proximity to Badagry, accessible within 55 minutes by water from the closest Nigerian village and merely 5 minutes from Porto Novo. He urged NIMASA to bring this opportunity to the attention of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, highlighting the island as a promising avenue for the ministry’s consideration in fostering maritime tourism.

Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Assistant Director of Public Relations at NIMASA, affirmed the commitment of the Agency in fostering this collaboration and highlighted Tongeji Island as a potential hub for maritime tourism, signaling a promising avenue for Nigeria’s marine and blue economy development.

In a dynamic exchange of insights, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, actively participated in a compelling session during the Public Hearing on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). This event was organized by the Joint Committee on Finance, Appropriation, National Planning and Economic Affairs, as well as Local and Foreign Debts.

The session, chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, focused on fostering collaboration and strategic planning for the optimal implementation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF&FSP).
The aim is to establish a comprehensive framework for prudent fiscal management and resource allocation.

Dr. Bashir Jamoh engaged in a constructive dialogue with key figures, including Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Sani Musa, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

This concerted effort aims to ensure that government policies have both long and medium-term effects, aligning with the overarching goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR administration.

The collaborative spirit exhibited during the session reflects a commitment to navigating the complexities of governance and policy implementation.

With all hands on deck, these discussions underscore the dedication to achieving success in advancing the President’s agenda and steering the nation towards sustained economic growth and development.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), under the purview of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is taking significant steps to establish Blue Economy information desks at all international airports in Nigeria. This initiative gained momentum following a productive discussion between the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR.

The introduction of Blue Economy desks at the ports of entry, which include international airports, is poised to foster inter-ministerial collaboration in harnessing the vast potential within the Nigerian maritime sector. The primary objective is to raise awareness of a functional intermodal transport system and promote tourism, among other critical elements of a burgeoning maritime nation.

This strategic move seeks to bridge the gap between the aviation and maritime sectors, creating a synergy that will facilitate the growth of the Blue Economy in Nigeria. By setting up these information desks, NIMASA aims to provide passengers and visitors at international airports with valuable insights into the maritime sector’s immense potential and its role in the nation’s economic development.

The Blue Economy information desks at these ports of entry will play a pivotal role in enhancing public awareness, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and driving economic growth in Nigeria.

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with NIMASA, is committed to promoting the sustainable development of the nation’s maritime sector and capitalizing on its numerous opportunities.

This initiative represents a critical step toward realizing the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector and aligning it with international best practices in Blue Economy development.

…As Comptroller Ejibunu vows to make remaining 2023 tough for smugglers

In a significant operation aimed at curbing illegal activities and safeguarding the nation’s economy, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of a substantial cache of items. These 14,574 seizures, valued at N1,241,777,700 in duty paid value, includes 17 vehicles, foreign parboiled rice, Indian hemp, and other illicit goods.

Acting Controller of the FOU Zone A, Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed these findings during a press briefing held in Lagos on Tuesday. The operation’s primary goal is to prevent revenue loss due to various infractions such as under-valuation, under-payments, and incorrect classification. Notably, the unit successfully collected N115,456,534.94 following the issuance of demand notices to defaulters.

Ejibunu provided a detailed breakdown of the seized items, emphasizing the magnitude of their efforts. “We were able to seize a total of 7,381 units of 50kg foreign parboiled rice from smugglers, equivalent to nearly thirteen trailer loads of rice,” he revealed.

Additionally, the customs unit confiscated seventeen vehicles from smugglers attempting to evade duty payments.

The Acting Controller further noted the interception of 593 jerrycans, totaling 14,825 liters of premium motor spirit (petrol). Due to the volatile nature of this product, it was safely disposed of in accordance with established procedures.

Other seizures included 657 pieces of used tires, 167 parcels of Indian hemp (equivalent to 202 kilograms), 39 bales of second-hand clothing, 100 packs of tomato ketchup, 4 units of used motorcycles, 600 cartons of GIV soap, and 730 sacks of hide and skin concealed in a 1×40 container, totaling 5,033 pieces.

Ejibunu called on well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians to continue supporting the FOU Zone ‘A’ with credible information that can aid in the fight against economic sabotage. The Acting Controller emphasized that their commitment to tackling smuggling and illegal activities remains unwavering.

Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with these seizures, with the dedicated efforts of seizing officers were AC Adewale Egunjobi and SC Johnzmaco Akabuisi were instrumental in this operation.

Ejibunu highlighted the importance of cooperation and synergy in combating such activities, reinforcing the unit’s determination to make life difficult for smugglers during the upcoming yuletide season and beyond.

He also lauded the Intelligence Unit of the Command for their excellent work, emphasizing the importance of consuming local products to strengthen the nation’s economy.

The FOU Zone ‘A’ remains resolute in its mission to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and ensure that the law is upheld.

The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT’s patrol team has once again demonstrated its commitment to maritime security by successfully preventing eight stowaways from embarking on an illegal voyage aboard the Container Vessel NATAL, which was en route to Abidjan.

In a display of remarkable vigilance, the patrol team boarded the vessel at Lagos Anchorage on November 3, 2023, at approximately 0840 hours, following reliable intelligence.

The team, under the leadership of Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, Commander NNS BEECROFT, took swift and precise action to apprehend the eight stowaways who had concealed themselves inside the vessel’s rudder compartment. Their intervention ensured that the individuals were not subjected to life-threatening conditions during the extended voyage or exposed to other security risks associated with unauthorized access to such facilities.

The individuals were identified as follows: “Jerry Benjamin 22 years old, Ben Tony 19 years old, Victory Ekemele 16 years old, Ike Destiny, 17 years old, all hailing from Delta state, Ebuka Solomon 25 years old, Christian Eze 26 years old both originating from Enugu state, James Vincent, 25 years old, from Edo state, David Abamiyo 27 years old from Ondo state”

In accordance with established protocols, the stowaways were seamlessly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further necessary actions.

This successful operation reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Navy in carrying out its constitutional role and underscores the dedication of the Nigerian Navy under the esteemed leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff. Their focus on ensuring a secure maritime environment contributes to creating a conducive atmosphere for legitimate business operations, which, in turn, fosters the economic prosperity of the nation.