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  • A’Ibom, Navy Partner On Marine Transport

    A’Ibom, Navy Partner On Marine Transport

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State Government said it has entered into partnership with the Nigerian Navy to develop marine transportation.

    Commissioner for Transport, Mr Orman Esin told correspondents that the partnership would provide alternative route to road transportation and ensure security on the waterways.

    Esin explained that already the Nigerian Navy has submitted a design for ferries and cargo boats that would be completed in six months.

    “We are in serious interface with the Navy to build both cruise and transportation boat, ferry that would be carrying people from Oron to Calabar.

    “The design is on and since we don’t want capital flight, we will have the Navy build the boat for us since they will give us internal security.

    ” I had a meeting with the Admiral in charge of the dock and marine operations of the Navy, along with the Secretary to the State Government, and Commissioner of Internal Security.

    “We are certain that as soon as we get a design and the approval of His Excellency for the design, the boat construction will commence.

    “They have given us a timeline of six months but we are giving them eight months. We are believing God that by the second quarter of next year, we should have a new ferry cruising on the shore.

    “Cargo is a midterm approach we are thinking about, where we will have a cargo ship that would be carrying cargo from Lagos down to Akwa Ibom. It would be easier and better for our people.” The commissioner stated.

    On constant attacks on fishermen by sea pirates, Esin said the Minstry of Internal Security has already swung into action, adding, “be rest assured that three months from today, the pirates will leave our water.”

  • Navy Men allegedly kill cop in Lagos

    Navy Men allegedly kill cop in Lagos

    A policeman has been stabbed to death allegedly by four navy personnel in Lagos State.
    The military men reportedly killed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abion Hezikel on Saturday in the Satellite Town area of the state.

    It was learnt that the personnel attached to the Central Pay Office, Apapa, also injured three civilians who tried to broker peace between them and the policemen.

    Trouble was said to have started around 8pm after a police team on traffic patrol around Oluti stopped four men on two motorcycles for flouting the state Traffic Laws.

    The four men turned out to be navy officials in mufti.

    A bus driver, who witnessed the incident, said the naval operatives stabbed the ASP in the chest after an argument between them.

    “In the course of the argument, one of them slapped the police team leader and he retaliated. That was how the fight started.

    “The navy men brought out  jack knives and started beating the policemen. Motorists and other road users tried to mediate but the military men went wild and were attacking people. At least three other innocent people sustained injuries,” the bus driver said.

    Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that two of the suspects were in custody, adding that the military authorities have also been notified and requested to hand over the remaining two suspects to the police.

    The Information Officer (CINFO), Western Naval Command, Commander Edwards Yeibo said the incident was being investigated.

  • Navy impounds 9,250Ltrs of illegal PMS in A’Ibom

    Navy impounds 9,250Ltrs of illegal PMS in A’Ibom

    The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Mbo Local Council of Akwa Ibom has seized 9,250 litres of products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    The Base Operating Officer, Lt. Cdr. Daniel Onyemaeze disclosed this while handing over the exhibits to Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) at Ibaka on Wednesday explained that the seizures were made recently during routine patrol of the waterways.

    The operation Onyemaeze said was in line with the mandate of Chief of Naval Staff to curtail illegal activities and criminal activities in the water ways adding that the suspects on sighting the Naval personnel jumped into the ocean and escaped into the creek.

    According to him, exhibits recovered included; three small wooden boats, two fibre boats, 37×250 litres of products suspected to be PMS.

    “In compliance with reference A on behalf of Nigerian Navy, FOB Ibaka. I hereby handover 3 wooden boats, 2 fibre boats with 37 drums of products suspected to be PMS to NSCDC.” He said.

    Receiving the exhibits on behalf of the NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Suleiman Mafara, the Chief Superintendent Corps, Sunday Edem, Head of Anti Vandal Unit of NSCDC said he would ensure that the exhibits reach the office.

    “On behalf of my State Commandant, Mr Suleiman Mafara, hereby received the exhibits arrested by the Navy.I have witnessed the 37 drums of products suspected to be PMS, three wooden boats and two fibre boats in all good condition.” He said.

    He promised to deliver the exhibits to NSCDC office for further investigation and prosecution.

  • Navy assures of improved surveillance in Eastern Command

    Navy assures of improved surveillance in Eastern Command

    The Nigerian Navy has reassured business owners in the Eastern flank of the country of enablingment for business to thrive within the maritime domain.

    The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu who stated this on Thursday during his maiden familiarisation visit to NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Council of Akwa Ibom said challenges of maintaining maritime security in the area would be addressed.

    Dewu said he has met with stakeholders and security agencies operating in the ENC for improved synergy and cooperation to enable them provide needed security within the maritime domain of the Command.

    The FOC promised Naval personnel of the needed support to carry out all their operations and warned illegal oil bunkerers and oil thieves operating within the Command to desist from their nefarious activities.

    “I have gone round to carry out on the spot accessment of all the operations are ongoing within the ENC, of course there are challenges from my men which will surely be addressed.

    “I have met with other stakeholders, security agencies operating in the ENC in the area of synergy and cooperation for joint operations to provide needed security within the maritime domain of ENC,” Dewu explained.

    Earlier, Commodore Semiu Olubode- Fazaz, the Commander, NNS Jubilee expressed the readiness of his men to support the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff and that of the FOC.

    Olubode-Fazaz said the visit would boost the confidence of his men to continue to work harder.

    Naval facilities visited by the FOC include Helms Jetty, ALSCON Jetty, Utaiwa Jetty, Sick Bays among others.

  • Navy Recovers 3m Litres of Crude Oil, Arrests 13 Pipeline Vandals

    Navy Recovers 3m Litres of Crude Oil, Arrests 13 Pipeline Vandals

    Troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder have arrested 13 persons suspected to be pipeline vandals and recovered about three million litres of crude oil and diesel in a major operation in Rivers.

    The Base Operations Officer, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Cdr. Umar Sidi, told newsmen during the destruction of two illegal refining sites in Abise community, Akuku Toru LGA, on Friday.

    He said the suspects were arrested in Akuku Toru by troops attached to ‘Operation River Dominance,’ launched by the navy in support of Rivers Government’s campaign against illegal refineries.

    “We arrested the 13 suspects since we began the operation 13 days ago (Jan. 18), to support the Rivers State Government’s fight against illegal refineries causing soot pollution in the state.

    “So far, we have destroyed over 44 illegal refineries and seized 14 large wooden boats and three barges carrying a combined three million litres of both crude oil and diesel.

    “Currently, we are gaining more grounds as we dismantle more illegal refining sites in the ongoing operation,” he said.

    Sidi attributed the successful conduct of the ongoing operation to the support of other security agencies and both the state and local governments.

    According to him, the establishment of riverine command posts and water board guard posts within waterways by NNS Pathfinder contributed largely to the achievements recorded.

    “The establishment of these posts denied freedom of action to the economic saboteurs by stopping them from moving the illegally refined and stolen petroleum products.

    “Stopping the movement of illegal artisanal refiners is key in attaining our collective objective of fighting economic saboteurs in Rivers.

    “The base is also pleased with the level of cohesion between the navy, local civil authorities and other security agencies,” he added.

    Speaking, the Chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government Council, Mr Rowland Sekibo, said the activities of illegal refiners had destroyed both the ecosystem and aquatic life in the area.

    He said the local government area was home to several illegal bunkering sites before Governor Nyesom Wike’s directives to clampdown on activities of oil thieves.

    “So, we have raided two clusters (of illegal refineries) and we are currently at the third cluster in Abise community to destroy all identified illegal refineries in the area.

    “Land is the first right of man, and as such, when the land is destroyed, it leads to poverty and suffering.

    “It is alarming to note that this (Abise) environment has been completely destroyed because of greed by criminals,” he said.

    Sekibo commended the Navy for its massive deployment of patrol gunboats and troops, to effectively end illegal refining of crude oil which is responsible for soot pollution in the state. (NAN)

  • Merchant Navy celebrate “establishment” progress at NASS

    Merchant Navy celebrate “establishment” progress at NASS

    Officers and men of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Corps have expressed joy as the bill seeking the establishment of the organization scaled through second reading at the National Assembly.

    The National Director of the organization, Sekenimde Sunday who officially broke the news while addressing officers and men at their training base in Ayo Obio Okpa, Oruk Aman Local Council of Akwa Ibom yesterday lauded the two arms of the National Assembly for their support for the bill.

    Sunday specifically expressed appreciation to Senator Kabiru Gaya, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo, and numerous others for their efforts to ensure the realization of the organization.

    “On behalf of officers and men of the Corps, I want to sincerely appreciate the national Assembly for their efforts in ensuring that the enabling bill is eventually passed. Of particular mention is Senator Kabiru Gaya Hon Tajudeen Adefisoye of the house of Representatives for their support for the bill.

    “I will also thank the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the Chief of Naval Staff for lending their voices ensure the realization of the Nigerian Merchant Navy.” The National Director said.

    He further pledged his organisation’s readiness to consolidate the nation’s achievements recorded in the Maritime industry, stressing that the officers have been trained to render professional services to the nation.

    Sunday also called on all seafarers to come under one umbrella in the country.

  • Navy Hands Over 304 (50kg) Bags of Crude Oil, Wooden Boat, 2 Suspects to NSCDC In Kogi

    Navy Hands Over 304 (50kg) Bags of Crude Oil, Wooden Boat, 2 Suspects to NSCDC In Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The commandant of kogi state command of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Peter Maigeri on Monday in Lokoja warned criminals of all shades and  operations to stay off the state or  meet their waterloo.

    The commandant gave the warning on Monday during the handing over ceremony of 304( 50kg) polythene bags of crude oil, a wooden boat and two suspects arrested by the Nigeria Navy (NNS) Lugard lokoja .

    Maigeri who commended the Navy for the arrest of the suspects ,who he described as economic saboteurs of the country , reminded that his command had in the last two months arrested no fewer than four articulated trailers laden with bags of unauthorised  petroleum products.

    He noted that the  existing synergy between the security agencies in the state has made it impossible for criminals to succeed in their nefarious acts stressing that the upsurge in the arrest of high wired criminals its part of their determination to stamp out crimes and criminality through inter agency synergy.

    “In my candid advise they should avoid kogi state. There would be no hiding place for them  as we are ahead of their strategies. Whatever strategy they develop we will get them.” He warns.

    He disclosed that the four trailers laden with the same illicit petroleum products some times ago have been forfeited to the federal government.

    He added that the command has secured partial forfeiture order for the trailers while the products have been forfeited to the federal Government and called on the other sister agencies and individuals to assist with information that will lead to the arrest of criminals.

    While handing over the suspects to the commandant, the commander of the Nigeria Navy ship Lugard Commodore Clement Atebi said the eagle eyes of his men on patrol at the maritime domain in the state arrested the two suspects with the large consignment of the illicit petroleum products.

    He said with the directive from the Chief of Naval staff on zero tolerance for crimes on maritime environment, he advise predators to pack their luggage from the state or be ready to meet superior fire power.

    He said the wooden boat laden with 304 polythene bags of black oil and crude oil were arrested along Itobe water ways.
    While fielding questions from Journalists , the suspects Adamu Muhammed 25, from Idah LGA of kogi state and Prince Kelechikwu Emersim 20, from Anambra state said they were only contracted to off load the consignment at Lokoja.

    Mohammed while narrating his ordeal amidst sobbing, said it was poverty and inability to pay for his WAEC fees that took him to port Harcourt where he met Kelechi , a wheel barrow pusher who later introduced him to the boat owner.

  • Navy destroys 15 militants camps in A’Ibom, Rivers States

    Navy destroys 15 militants camps in A’Ibom, Rivers States

    The Nigerian Navy has destroyed 15 militants camps in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States in the last eight months, Commander, NNS Jubilee, Commodore Abdulmajid Ibrahim has said.

    It also arrested 17 piracy and sea robbery suspects and seized 285,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and dangerous ammunitions from them within the same period.

     Ibrahim told newsmen on Thursday at the Jubilee Base in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom that the militant camps were discovered and destroyed during its anti-piracy and anti-sea robbery operations in the 1,800 creeks within the jurisdiction of the base. 

    The Commander revealed that the joint patrol operations of the Navy and Nigerian Police have resulted in relative peace and security in the area and brought illegal bunkering and trade on the water ways to the barest minimum.

    “Within six months as Commander of the base, we have destroyed 15 militant camps, arrested 17 suspects during our operations and recovered 285,000 litres of AGO and ammunition from them, and have handed over the suspects and items to the prosecuting agencies. 
    “We do the work of the Police and involve in joint patrol everyday with them. This has led to relative security and peace in the area, and brought illegal bunkering to the barest minimum. 
    “Our strategy is Continuous Aggressive Patrol. We try to dominate the water space and maritime environment. Within the last six months, there has been no attack on the NNS infrastructural base.

    “We have maintained a good civil-military relationship with our host community, through our Corporate Social Responsibility. We carry out free medical consultations and give out drugs within our capacity in our medical rhapsody outreach programme.” He explained.

    The Commander attributed the success of their operations to Intelligence information gathered from members of the public and called for more support in that regard. 

    He assured that information sources would remain confidential and protected, adding that to effectively deal with piracy and sea robbery, members of the public must volunteer credible information to the Navy.

    He maintained that perpetrators of illegal maritime activities live within the communities and are known to the people insisting that volunteering of information remained vital to eradicating piracy and militancy in the area.

  • 2021: Navy Chief solicits for adequate funding

    2021: Navy Chief solicits for adequate funding

    …expresses worries over shortage of barracks accommodation

    By Doris Ferdinand

    The chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has on Friday solicited for adequate funding for the Nigeria Navy for the smooth running naval activities.

    The naval chief disclosed this on Friday when he appeared before the house committee on Navy for 2021 budget presentation. He stressed that additional operating vessels are required to enhance the Navy’s presence in defence of Nigeria maritime interest and sustain the on going effort against maritime related crime.

    Some of the challenges highlighted by the Navy Chief are: inadequate jetting, consolidate logistic support facility, shortage of personnel cost for maintaining seized and arrested vessels, shortage of barracks accommodation and inadequate funding.

    He also noted that any expenditure on Nigeria Navy is an investment to the nation’s economy. “It needs to be stressed that any expenditure on our Navy is an investment to enhance the nation’s economy and national development.

    “Our Navy shall therefore be adequately funded to secure Nigerian’s maritime empowerment for sustainable development. In this regard, the Nigeria Navy is highly expectant of the understanding and support of this committee to help sustain Nigerian navy priority projects going forward.”

    The chairman of the committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi-Babayo (APC, Plateau) in his submission affirmed that the members will carefully and thoroughly look into their budget proposal. “We had very informative and indeed very productive interaction this morning and it is our hope that as we move forward in deliberating your budget proposal for 2021, we will find those areas that requires proper and careful attention.

    “We are motivated to look at your proposals thoroughly.” He said.

  • FOB Ibaka strategic to ending smuggling from Central Africa- Navy

    FOB Ibaka strategic to ending smuggling from Central Africa- Navy

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Nigerian Navy has said that  the Forward Operations Base, FOB in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom remaiened strategic for the success of the fight against  smuggling from Cameroun and other parts of  Central Africa.

    Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, said the base has been in the forefront of the Navy’s anti-smuggling operations within its area of jurisdiction, adding that FOB has performed above average in all ramifications.

    Speaking during an inspection of FOB yesterday, Adeniran said the base is first in the Navy’s drive to end smuggling and other illegal trade on the waterways, especially smuggled rice brought in from the Republic of Cameroon. 

    He said the inspection was necessary to encourage the efforts of the Commanding Officer, Captain Peter Yilme and his officers for the great job they were doing adding that the Nigerian Navy would not relent in its duty to protect the country from external illegalities.

    “This particular unit is at the fore front of our anti-smuggling operation and they have achieved a lot. If I am to qualify it, this is the number one base when it comes to anti-smuggling operation in our area of responsibility. They have done very well and we have to come around to encourage them. 

    He said the Base has also recorded great successes in the arrest of rice and illegal Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) smugglers  and have always handed over the suspects to the relevant agencies.

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