Nigerian Navy Advocates Special Court to Speed Up Trial of Maritime Crimes

Nigerian Navy Advocates Special Court to Speed Up Trial of Maritime Crimes

The Nigerian Navy has called for the establishment of a Special Maritime Court to deal exclusively with maritime crimes for speedy dispensation of justice.

Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, made the call during a visit to PRNigeria Centre, Abuja, as part of a strategic media tour to enlighten the public about the service’s ongoing operational efforts.

He revealed that the regular court processes are causing delays in the disposal of seized vessels held by the Navy, and the costs associated with their maintenance are impacting their finances significantly.

He added that vast funds are being expended on their (seized vessels) upkeep and operations to ensure they remain in good condition.

He also outlined the Navy’s ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s waters and highlighted the challenges of lengthy judicial processes.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy prioritises creating a safe and secure maritime environment for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

He said the service has also seen success in recent months with Operation Delta Sanity, launched by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. This operation intercepted numerous vessels involved in illegal oil bunkering.

Commodore Ali emphasised the Navy’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s national interests. He pointed to their participation in international exercises to improve regional security and cited a decrease in piracy within Nigerian waters.

His words: “Immediately, the CNS assumed command on June 23, 2023, as the 22nd indigenous chief of the Nigerian Navy. Shortly after assuming command, he articulated his vision to establish a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of shaping security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and beyond. His vision aims to fulfill Nigeria’s national interests by ensuring effective operational efforts.

“To achieve this vision, he itemised a mission to maintain an equipped, professional, competent, and ethical naval force. This mission leverages all elements of national power to defend Nigeria’s maritime interests effectively. It entails countering all threats in fulfilment of national security imperatives, aligning with President Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda, particularly emphasising the Ministry of Blue Economy.

“Fundamentally, the Nigerian Navy operates based on two main modules. The first is the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy (TSMS), which encompasses five spectrums of operation. These spectrums range from inland waters to out-of-area operations, reflecting the Navy’s comprehensive approach to maritime security, including diplomatic missions and land-based engagements.

“The second operational approach revolves around the Navy’s Trinity of Action, which comprises surveillance, response initiative, and law enforcement. Overcoming past challenges of maritime domain awareness, the Nigerian Navy now boasts a robust marine surveillance system, facilitating targeted responses to naval threats and criminal activities.

“Since assuming command, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has spearheaded Operation Delta Sanity to combat maritime crimes such as piracy, illegal oil bunkering, and smuggling. The operation has yielded significant successes, demonstrating the Navy’s enhanced capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests and ensure economic prosperity in line with national objectives. Despite challenges in law enforcement and judicial processes, the Navy remains committed to upholding justice and strengthening institutional capacity to maintain maritime security effectively.

“Operation Obangame Express is currently underway, involving navies from at least 17 countries, including the American Navy. This exercise, initiated in 2011 under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, aims to enhance capabilities, communications, and cooperation among West and Central African nations.

“The impact of such initiatives is evident in the significant reduction of piracy within Nigerian waters by 80% as of 2021, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list by 2022. Consequently, commercial shipping to Nigerian waters no longer incurs exorbitant war insurance costs, levelling the playing field with other West African ports.

“The Nigerian Navy will hold its 68th-anniversary celebrations, culminating in the Regional Maritime Exercise and Navy Week festivities starting from May 24th to celebrate the Navy’s achievements in advancing Nigeria’s national interests”.

While welcoming his guests, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, published by Image Merchants Promotion (IMPR) Limited, thanked the naval spokesperson and his entourage for the courtesy call.

He commended the visionary leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

“The Nigerian Navy has recorded amazing feats tackling oil vandals, sea pirates, and other economic saboteurs. We have also seen the laudable initiatives and policies of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ogalla, who has been unveiling to make the Nigerian Navy a responsive military institution,” he said.

By PRNigeria