Nigerian Navy Showcases Achievements to Commemorate 68th Anniversary

Nigerian Navy Showcases Achievements to Commemorate 68th Anniversary

The Nigerian Navy (NN) has credited the dedication of personnel involved in Operation Delta Sanity, an initiative launched in January 2024, for the success achieved in the fight against crude oil theft over the past nine months.

The Navy said the operation has led to the arrest of various suspects and vessels involved in COT, which has led to an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production to 1.28 million barrels per day (bpd) in April according to OPEC Records.

The service also highlighted the arrest of several vessels like MT KALI, MT SWEET HARBOUR SPIRIT, MT SAISNIL, MV TOKITO, MT VINILLARIS, and MT SWEET MIRI, contributing directly to the positive impact on national oil production.

Chief of Policy and Plans of the NN, Rear Admiral Joseph Daniel Akpan, disclosed this today at the Press Briefing to mark the 68th anniversary celebration of the service as well as the Policy Thrust/achievements of Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

Akpan stated that through its “Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy,” the Navy is enabled to not only combat piracy and illegal activities at sea but also support land operations across all of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

He noted that the NN’s Maritime Domain Awareness Facilities also provide year-round monitoring of the nation’s maritime domain, extending to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. This comprehensive surveillance, according to him, enables early detection and swift response to maritime incidents, contributing to Nigeria’s continued status as a piracy-free zone according to the International Maritime Bureau.

He further disclosed that the service has bolstered its capabilities through the acquisition of various platforms. These include a second offshore survey vessel, two 32-meter Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs), and two helicopters. Additionally, the NN expects delivery of two 76-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) from Turkey later this year.

Akpan also highlighted the importance of collaboration with other maritime security agencies like NIMASA, NPA, NDLEA, NOSDRA, and NEMA. He said the service has actively participated in local and international exercises alongside foreign partners. Some recent examples include EX CROCODILE LIFT/AFRICAN GRANDE AFRICA NEMO, EX SEA GUARDIAN, EX NCHEKWA OSHIMIRI, OP WATER GUARD, OP SWIFT RESPONSE, and EX OBANGAME EXPRESS 2024.

His words: “The Nigerian Navy has planned a series of events as part of its 68th-anniversary celebration, including religious services, medical outreach programs, and an ice-breaker social gathering.

“The highlight of the celebration will be a Regional Maritime Exercise (REMEX) and International Maritime Conference (IMC) held from May 30th to June 1st, 2024. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be the special guest of honor. REMEX will be an international maritime exercise involving navies from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. The NN will contribute 18 platforms, including capital ships, boats, and helicopters.”

Coinciding with REMEX, Akpan said  “the International Maritime Conference (IMC) will be held on May 30th and 31st. Themed “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through International Cooperation on Maritime Security,” the conference will host delegations from over 21 African countries, 17 non-African countries, and 13 international organizations. Notably, high-ranking officials from France, China, the UK, and the US will be in attendance.

“During the event, the President will commission 3 new ships, 2 helicopters, and officially open the International Maritime Exhibition showcasing maritime security products and services. Additionally, a meeting of Gulf of Guinea Heads of Navies and Coast Guards will be held on May 31st,” he noted.

By PRNigeria