From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Navy has vowed to fight illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, piracy and other criminal activities perpetrated in the nation’s maritime domain to a standstill.
This is just as the Navy said that it had arrested a good number of vessels and criminals involved in oil theft and other illegal activities along the waterways during its various security operations.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who made this known, said the Navy under his leadership would continue to focus on achieving its strategic objectives. Oglala who spoke at the Nigerian Navy Ceremonial Sunset and Awards Night held in Abuja, said the Navy had concluded plans to conduct a joint amphibious exercise with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in the coming year, to curb maritime crimes.
He said “the exercise will be aimed at strengthening our capacities in conducting amphibious operations and sealift capability while also deepening our partnership with international navies to conduct training exercises and share best practices.”
The CNS also said the Navy was currently engaged in a series of operations namely Operation AWATSE, Operation Water Guard, and Operation Dakata Barau, among others to get rid of illegal bunkering and crude oil theft in the country.
Admiral Oglala, while noting that 2023 had been a period of significant progress and accomplishment for the Nigerian Navy, said his vision is to maintain a professional Navy capable and responsive to the demands of the maritime environment.
The CNS, who promised to focus on the well-being of personnel, said that he had initiated key policy thrusts and welfare projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life of personnel within his first 100 days in office and thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unflinching support to the Navy, which enabled it to achieve operational success.
He commended officers and ratings for their commitment in securing the marine environment, saying: “As a testament to our commitment to operational readiness, we recently conducted a comprehensive end-of-year sea inspection involving 13 ships and two helicopters, as well as a detachment of the Special Boat Service (SBS).
“This exercise, codenamed NCHEKWA OSHIMIRI, provided a valuable opportunity to assess our combat capabilities and preparedness to face any potential threats.
“During the four-day exercise, various naval drills and evolutions were carried out at sea, including anti-piracy, anti-crude oil theft, and anti-illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) operations.
“Others were Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX), Communication Exercise (COMMEX), and Fleet Manoeuvre, among others.”
On the progress made by the service, the CNS said: “This year, we have made significant progress in fleet renewal efforts, with the acquisition of new vessels and the ongoing modernisation of existing platforms.
“We have also continued to invest in maritime domain awareness.
“Through technological advancements and improved intelligence gathering, we have gained a deeper understanding of the activities within our waters.
“Furthermore, we have continued to contribute manpower and resources to ongoing land-based operations in the North East, North West, North Central, and other security hotspots in the country.
This has significantly contributed to the improved security situation in the country.”
He further stated that the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to operational excellence had been evident in the successful execution of major exercises such as Grand Nemo Africa, Obangame Express 2023, Crocodile Lift, and Safe Domain adding that the exercises saw the Navy collaborate with international and regional partners to combat piracy and other forms of maritime crimes, thereby enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking on some of the plans of the Navy in 2024, the CNS said: “In the ensuing year, the Nigerian Navy intends to host an International Maritime Conference and Regional Maritime Exercise (INCREMEX), which will serve as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration with our regional and international partners.”