Category: News

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.

In a move to fortify and enhance cooperation between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, Director-General of NIMASA, embarked on a working visit to Vice Admiral E I Ogala, the Chief of Naval Staff.

The primary aim of this visit was to bolster the existing relationship between the two entities, fostering mutual growth within the Nigerian maritime industry. Central to their discussions was the alignment of strategies to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s vision of establishing a Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

A critical focus during their deliberations was the pervasive issue of illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. Both parties engaged in in-depth conversations, exploring innovative avenues to combat this challenge effectively. Their concerted efforts aim to ensure that Nigerians reap the full benefits of the abundant natural resources within the maritime industry.

The collaborative efforts between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy signify a united front in addressing critical maritime concerns. Through their commitment to this partnership, they seek to streamline operations, tackle illicit activities, and promote sustainable practices within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

This working visit serves as a testament to the dedication of both NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy in upholding maritime security, fostering economic growth, and advancing the country’s marine and blue economy initiatives. The joint endeavors between these two vital entities demonstrate a collective resolve to propel the Nigerian maritime industry toward greater heights of prosperity and sustainability.

In a significant breakthrough against illicit maritime activities, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, Ondo State, orchestrated the arrest of the 77-meter-long Motor Tanker (MT) “VINNALARIS 1 LAGOS” on suspicion of crude oil theft. The vessel, carrying 17 crew members, was apprehended in the early hours of Thursday, December 7, 2023, at approximately 3:00 am.

The arrest was prompted by credible intelligence received by FOB Igbokoda regarding illegal crude oil siphoning activities at the EBESAN oil field, situated approximately 7 nautical miles off the coast of Awoye riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The swift response of FOB Igbokoda personnel led to the interception of the vessel as it was illicitly siphoning crude oil from one of the well heads at the EBESAN oil field. Upon approach, the two boats attached to the vessel attempted to flee on sighting the naval personnel, confirming suspicions of illegal activities.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the vessel was actively involved in siphoning crude oil from both sides of the well head. The vessel, manned by 17 Nigerian crew members, possessed a storage capacity of about 15,000 metric tonnes and had already loaded approximately 500 Metric tonnes of crude oil at the time of arrest.

This apprehension underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and other illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain. Authorities warn that perpetrators of such illegalities will face stringent measures and the full force of the law.

The Nigerian Navy urges legitimate individuals engaged in lawful maritime activities to continue their operations, while imploring the public to collaborate by promptly reporting any suspicious activities, especially in coastal communities, for swift and necessary action.

Moreover, suspicions arose regarding the involvement of Tantita Security Service (TSS) in these illegal activities, as the Awoye riverine area, adjacent to the arrest location, falls under TSS coverage. However, the Nigerian Navy dismisses these allegations raised post the vessel’s arrest as baseless and misleading.

Despite external challenges, the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment for national economic development and prosperity, reinforcing its commitment to stamping out maritime criminalities.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, has officially launched 12 Comstrac System Ovation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and endorsed the updated Local Operating Procedure and Local Training Order.

The ceremony took place on Friday, at the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Air Base in Navy Town, Ojo.

The Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Zakariyyah Muhammad, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, conducted the commissioning.

Muhammad noted that the newly commissioned surveillance UAVs will enhance the Nigerian Navy’s air capabilities, complementing existing assets.

He added, “In an era where the nature of warfare is evolving rapidly, embracing cutting-edge technologies becomes imperative for enhancing our national security. These UAVS, with their advanced capabilities and versatility, will undoubtedly enhance our naval surveillance for furtherance of strategic capabilities. I have no doubt that this will rejig the Nigerian Navy towards better service delivery in the maritime domain of our dear Country.

Ogalla also commended the efforts of the Western Naval Command for innovative and dogged efforts towards maintaining credible maritime presence and curtailing criminalities in her Air Base

Speaking further, he disclosed that Nigerian Navy is expecting 5 more helicopters within the First Quarter of next year, 2024 which would enhance Nigerian Navy’s maritime capabilities. This would safer waters for both local and international maritime trade.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ahmed Nakura, the contractor responsible for the building of the drones, commended the Nigerian Navy for placing a high priority on securing the maritime domain, including the Gulf of Guinea.

He said, “Today is a momentous occasion as we gather here to commemorate the commissioning and delivery of 12 CTS Ovation UAVs to the Nigerian Navy.

“This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen your nation’s maritime security and defence capabilities. These state-of-the art unmanned aerial vehicles represent a leap forward in your commitment to safeguarding your maritime borders and protecting your national interests.

“The Nigerian Navy has a rich history of safeguarding your coastal waters and ensuring the security and prosperity of your nation. As we commission these 12 CTS Ovation UAVs, we are not just delivering new equipment; we are ushering in a new era of maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and defence.

“These UAVs will play a crucial role in enhancing your naval capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of your waters. In an era where maritime security is pivotal to national safety and economic stability, the role of advanced technology cannot be overstated. Nigeria’s strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea, a vital shipping route, necessitates robust and versatile maritime surveillance capabilities.”

Speaking earlier, Commodore Stephen Ega, the Navy Airwaves Commander, introduced the updated Local Operating Procedure and Local Training Order for approval.

He also commended the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) for enabling the utilization of drones.

Ega added that the drones UAVs will complement efforts of the existing helicopters in operation.
“This occasion also provides me the opportunity to present the revised Local Operating Procedure as well as Local Training Order for adoption.

Before we proceed, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CNS Vice Admiral EI Ogalla for procuring the UAVs, his magnanimous support to NN Air Arm and to the Base in particular.

The commissioning of this UAV squadron represents a quantum leap in our naval operations. These advanced UAVs are force multipliers that will enhance our reconnaissance, surveillance, and maritime security capabilities of the NN fleet like never before.

The UAVs would also complement the already existing helicopters by increasing our surveillance capabilities with enhanced real time Maritime pictures,” he said.

Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, highlighted that incorporating UAVs with surface ships, aircraft, and Special Forces will enhance Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities, complementing facilities like RMAC and FALCON EYE.

“The integration of the UAVs with surface ships, aircraft and Special Forces would complement the Maritime Domain Awareness facilities such as RMAC and FALCON EYE.

“Thereby serving as force multipliers to cover blind spots in the back waters which RMAC and FALCON EYE hitherto do not adequately cover.

“The introduction of these advanced UAVs to our naval fleet underscores our commitment to embrace innovation and technology in the maritime domain.”