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Tag: Nigerian Navy

  • Navy Pledges to Prosecute Absentee Owners of Abandoned Oil Vessels

    Navy Pledges to Prosecute Absentee Owners of Abandoned Oil Vessels

    By Milcah  Tanimu

    The Nigerian Navy has declared its intent to apprehend and bring to justice the owners of deserted maritime vessels suspected of engaging in illicit oil bunkering activities.

    This commitment was articulated by the Navy in an official statement issued on Monday, signed by its spokesperson, AO Ayo-Vaughan. The statement was in response to Chief Jasper Ako, the proprietor of the recently destroyed vessel (MV Cecelia).

    The owners of the Marine Vessel (MV) Cecelia Imo, which was recently destroyed by the Military Joint Task Force of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), accused the Nigerian Navy of precipitate and malevolent actions.

    Soljas Limited, the owners of the vessel, refuted allegations of unauthorized dealings or the storage of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. This stands in contradiction to the Nigerian Navy’s assertions.

    The Navy has countered, explaining that the vessel had remained inactive for two years but had been repurposed as a storage tank for unlawfully refined petroleum products. The owner’s accusations were dismissed as unsubstantiated.

    “To dispel any uncertainties and establish the truth, MV Cecelia has been under scrutiny due to suspicions of oil theft,” clarified Ayo-Vaughan. “The vessel was apprehended on August 15, 2023, along with products believed to be illicitly refined Automated Gas Oil (Diesel) at Meco Jetty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The operation was executed by the Naval Component of OPDS.”

    The Navy spokesperson further emphasized that the vessel’s owners were evading authorities and had not participated in the sample analysis, a requisite procedure for such cases.

    Ayo-Vaughan pointed out that in instances of vessels seized for oil theft, owners often escape, leaving the Navy with the financial burden of maintaining and sustaining the vessels. This has incurred substantial costs for Nigeria and exacerbated national security concerns as these abandoned vessels frequently pose navigational hazards.

    Ayo-Vaughan also indicated that these derelict vessels were the principal factor behind the International Maritime Organization’s previous classification of Nigeria’s ports and waterways as the most hazardous in the region.

    He underscored that MV Cecelia had been non-operational for approximately two years, and during the arrest, the vessel was carrying approximately 250,000 liters of illegal AGO.

    The Navy spokesperson disclosed that three suspects have been detained and have provided valuable information, but the alleged owners remain at large.

    Additionally, Ayo-Vaughan stressed that MV Cecelia lacked the necessary regulatory approvals to function as an AGO storage facility. He highlighted that all authorized storage facilities are typically communicated to Naval Headquarters for monitoring by pertinent agencies.

    “The intelligence has revealed that unlawfully refined products are loaded onto MV Cecelia for storage,” he stated. “One of the suspects disclosed that these products are usually transported in ‘Cotonou’ boats and Geepee tanks and then transferred to MV Cecelia for subsequent sale to unsuspecting members of the public.”

    Ayo-Vaughan lamented the practice’s longstanding occurrence, remaining undetected until the recent intelligence-led efforts by OPDS and the Navy.

  • Navy reads riot act to Sea Pirates in N’Delta

    Navy reads riot act to Sea Pirates in N’Delta

    By Odo Ogenyi Uyo

    The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire, has warned sea pirates to stay clear of Nigerian waterways especially those in his area of responsibility in the Niger Delta region.

    Oluwagbire gave the warning during his maiden inspection of base and units of the Naval Command in NNS Jubilee at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom only Thursday.

    “We are coming to smoke sea pirates out of the waterways, we will get them and we will roast them.” The FOC said.

    He explained that he was in Akwa Ibom as part of his maiden inspection of base and units of the naval command after assumption of office.

    Oluwagbire urged the commander to rejig the operations of the command, to enable their gun boats cover the waterways effectively and called for increased alertness from officers of the command.

    He also called on the public to give useful information to the command inorder to use it to apprehend the criminal elements in the society.

    “There is one aspect of security that most people don’t understand, is not only the security agency’s business but is everybody’s business.

    “If you see something, share with the security agencies, so that it can help better the society.We are together, we will do it and makes the waterways safe and better.” Oluwagbire said.

    The highlights of visit was the inspection of Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo LGA, proposed Naval Barracks, Essene, Ikot Abasi LGA, Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen, the newly acquired Girls Model Secondary School at Awa Ubium in Onna LGA and Utaewa, an out post station in Ikot Abasi LGA.

  • We’re Set for Election Duty – Navy Assures

    We’re Set for Election Duty – Navy Assures

    The Nigerian Navy (NN), has expressed it’s readiness to support the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), to conduct peaceful elections across the country from next Saturday.

    Navy says it is ready to provide security to all Nigerians, before, during and after the elections and also escort election materials in the creeks of the Niger Delta , to ensure no one was disenfranchised.

    The Executive Officer Nigerian Navy Ships (NNS), Pathfinder, Captain Stanley Umeh, said this  during the first quarter Route March exercise  in Port Harcourt Rivers State,  at the weekend.

    Ume said the exercise is a show of Force for next week’s general elections, oil thieves and pipeline vandalism in the country, beginning from the Niger Delta .

    He also noted that it is a sign of readiness of Navy personnel for peaceful conduct of the polls on Saturday and other election days in the year.

    Ume said: “Route march is a sign of readiness for us. Route March is a routine exercise in the military. This is the first quarter route March for 2023 and it’s done across all Naval formation across the country.

    “Route march is a way of enforcing confidence in the general public that members of the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces at large, is always ready to be out there in the discharge of our constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property. “We’re not contending with anybody, but the show of force is in the direction of protecting the general populace from vandals, miscreants and to build confidence in the populace that they are safe.

    “It’s also part of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo’s strategic imperatives that the Nigerian Navy supports INEC in every way possible in reaching out to the creeks  and ensure election materials get to the coastal communities safely and that elections are conducted there without rancour.”

  • China donates gunboat to Nigerian Navy

    China donates gunboat to Nigerian Navy

    The war against crude oil theft received a major boost as the Peoples Republic of China yesterday handed over a 46-metre gunboat and several military hardware to the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army.

    The donation is part of the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China.

    Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd), said the gesture was in line with the current efforts of the federal government towards supporting the military to combat insecurity, adding that the move has been impactful and yielding tremendous successes. 

    The minister explained that the support and donation of equipment and platforms from strategic partners like the Peoples Republic of China would improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the support from China, which started years ago towards, enhancing the capability of the Nigerian Navy, would bolster its presence within the maritime domain, had been tremendous. 

  • Comedian ‘Cute Abiola’ Is In Our Custody – Nigerian Navy

    Comedian ‘Cute Abiola’ Is In Our Custody – Nigerian Navy

    The Nigerian Navy has announced that popular comedian, Cute Abiola, is in their custody and not missing.

    A comedian Mr Macaroni had earlier on Tuesday taken to his Instagram page to announce that his colleague Cute Abiola was missing since Monday, November 15 when he went to his office at Navy town.

    The Navy in a statement signed on Wednesday by Commodore Suleman Dahun said Cute Abiola, with real name Abdulgafar A. A is Naval personnel and is being held in his unit for violating the Armed Forces of Nigeria social media policy.

    The statement was titled, ‘Cute Abiola Is Not Missing – Navy.’

    It reads, “The attention of the Nigerian Navy has been drawn to an online newstory which claims that naval personnel, OSCOMP Abdulgafar AA, who incidentally is a popular comedian known as Cute Abiola, has gone missing.

    “The Nigerian Navy wishes to categorically debunk this false news report currently trending online.

    “OSCOMP Abdulgafar is currently under custody in his unit for breaching the Armed Forces Social Media Policy and refusal to obey particular orders. The Nigerian Navy wishes to avail itself of this incident to remind its personnel to comply with the provisions of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy in their usage of social media platforms.

    “The Policy, amongst others, is emplaced to protect their personal safety and security as well as the information integrity of the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

  • US Special Forces train 25 Nigerian Navy Officers

    US Special Forces train 25 Nigerian Navy Officers

    United States Army Special Forces have trained 25 officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service during a five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training which was concluded on Thursday.

    The American military trainers and the Nigerian Navy​special operations forces trained together on a broad range of land-based skills and tactics, such as countering improvised explosive devices.

    According to a statement by the US Embassy in Nigeria, the exercise was part of a series of US engagements with the Nigerian military providing opportunities for the Nigerian military and US elite units to work together, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships.

    Delivering remarks during the JCET closing ceremony in Lagos, Acting US Consulate Political and Economic Chief, Merrica Heaton, noted that the US government works closely with all the services of the Nigerian military to provide technical assistance, equipment, and professional exchange and training opportunities.

    According to her, the JCET is part of a close and continuous military partnership between the United States and Nigeria spanning decades to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.

    “The United States Mission to Nigeria is a steadfast partner — helping combat maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, counter violent extremists in the Northeast, and enforce the rule of law throughout the region,” Heaton was quoted as saying.

    “The magnitude of this summer’s engagements demonstrates the strategic importance of the United States-Nigeria bilateral relationship: the U.S. is delivering A-29 Super Tucanos as part of the largest defence sale to an African country; the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps are scheduled for extensive programs in Nigeria beyond pre-COVID levels. These engagements build on a longstanding security partnership, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “Nigeria participates in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises with the United States, including African Lion, Flintlock, and Obangame Express.

    The US and Nigeria cooperate on maritime security, military professionalization including human rights, counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, defence trade, and strengthening governance,” the statement added.

  • Nigerian Navy cancels 65th anniversary over COAS death

    Nigerian Navy cancels 65th anniversary over COAS death

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has directed the cancellation of events slated for marking the 65th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

    This is contained in a statement by spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Suleman Dahun.

    Dahun said that the decision followed the sad demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and some senior officers  in the air crash of Friday, May 21 in Kaduna.

    “The CNS commiserates with the nation and offers the condolences of officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to Mr President.

    “The Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force as well as families of the departed.

    “May their souls rest in peace,” he said.

    He said that the death of Attahiru, a service chief, like his colleague in the navy, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, had put the army, navy, air force and the entire defence circle in sober mood. 

  • Nigerian Navy deploys 6 warships, 60 gunboats for operation in 4 States

    Nigerian Navy deploys 6 warships, 60 gunboats for operation in 4 States

    The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday deployed troops on board six warships and 60 gunboats for a special military exercise.

    The drill targets pirates, oil smugglers and other criminalities in the nation’s waters.

    Rear Admiral David Adeniran, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Calabar, made the announcement.

    He spoke at the flag-off of the exercise in Onne, Rivers State, NAN reports.

    The operation code-named, ‘Exercise Sanga Sung,’ means ‘Safe Transit’ in Ibibio dialect.

    The States to be covered are Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Rivers.

    The commander explained the operation would consolidate ‘Exercises Bekan Mmon I and II’

    Adeniran added that the purpose was to train personnel and check the state of preparedness of fleets.

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  • Nigerian Navy warns applicants against fraudsters, Says Application is free

    Nigerian Navy warns applicants against fraudsters, Says Application is free

    The Nigerian Navy has warned prospective candidates who wish to apply for the Direct Short Service Commission, DSSC, Course 28 to avoid being scammed by fraudsters.

    The Nigerian Navy in statement on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Suleman Dahun said application into the service was free and those seeking to apply must have all the necessary requirements in other to be considered for the program.

    According to him, all applicants must be Nigerians by birth, have a minimum of Second Class Upper Degree for University graduates or Upper Credit for Higher National Diploma holders.

    The statement also said that male applicants must be 1.68metre tall and above, while females should not be below 1.65metres.

    The statement read “All applicants must possess an NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate and should be between 22 and 28 years by 7 January 2021, except for Imams, Chaplains and Medical Consultants who should not exceed 30 years and 40 years respectively by the 7 January 2021.

    “Also, all the processes starting from online registration, aptitude test and the selection interview are totally free of charge.

    “However, applicants are advised to be wary of scammers and equally, refrain from giving money to any individual under any guise.

    “The guidelines for the enlistment can be accessed on the Nigerian Navy Enlistment Portal www.joinnigeriannavy.com which will be fully open from September 7 to October 5 for interested candidates to begin their applications online.”

  • Nigerian Navy destroy 2,287 illegal refineries

    Nigerian Navy destroy 2,287 illegal refineries

    The Nigerian Navy, Friday said it has destroyed a total number of 2,287 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region between 2015 -2019.
    Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a press conference organized to announce activities lined-up for the NN 64th Anniversary Celebrations.

    He said the breakdown of the destroyed illegal refineries from 2015 to 2019 shows that in 2015, about 140 illegal refineries were destroyed and 128 illegal refining sites in 2016.

    Mohammed noted that in 2017, a total of 1,218 illegal refineries were destroyed, while 383 and 418 illegal refining sites were destroyed in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

    He said “From records, 2017 recorded the highest number of illegal refining sites destroyed. This figure decreased in 2018 and later increased slightly in 2019.

    The naval chief of policy and plans explained that reduction in the number of illegal refining sites destroyed from 2017 – 2019 could be attributed to the ongoing swamp buggy operations in the Niger Delta which makes it difficult for perpetrators to reactivate destroyed illegal refining sites

    According to him “The NN also recorded successes in anti-COT and illegally sourced petroleum product which has reduced illegal oil dealings within the Nigerian maritime environment from 2017-2019. For instance, in 2017, the NN denied criminal oil entrepreneurs dealing on illegal oil about 218,057 barrels of crude oil valued at about N3,724,413,560 and 60,553,415 ltrs of AGO valued at N11,807,915,925.

    “Similarly, in 2018, illegal oil dealings of about 295,028 barrels of crude oil valued at about N5,039,078,240 and 23,991,325 ltrs of AGO valued at N4,678,308,375 were denied the criminal oil entrepreneurs by the NN.

    He added “In the same vein, in 2019, the NN denied criminal oil entrepreneurs dealing on illegal oil 296,192 barrels of crude oil valued at about N5,058,959,360 and 42,729,530 ltrs of AGO valued at N8,332,258,350.

    Speaking further, he noted that the current COVID-19 Pandemic has necessitated a review of the initial plan for the anniversary, adding that the celebrations would be limited to only few activities to reflect the sombre mood in the country.

    “All Ships would be Dressed Overall from Monday 25 May – Monday 1 June 2020. It is pertinent to state that this period will also witness the Distribution of Palliatives and Donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by the NN.

    “In these regards, the NHQ and all Commands will further engage with designated authorities in host communities for distribution of palliative and PPE from Thursday 28 – Friday 29 May 2020.

    “The NN will also commission a COVID-19 Isolation Centre in Lagos. This is with a view to supporting the FG fight against COVID-19 Pandemic. Lastly, a modified and highly restricted Ceremonial Sunset will be held at Command level on Monday, 1 June 2020 to mark the end of the week-long activities of the NN 64th Anniversary.