Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-03-14 05:04:41
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, proudly announced that there have been no reports of piracy in Nigerian territorial waters over the past two years. This remarkable feat can be attributed to the continuous efforts of the Nigerian Navy in combating piracy and other criminal activities at sea since Vice Admiral Ogalla assumed office.
Speaking in Calabar to the participants of Naval Warfare Course 8, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the navy’s strategic initiatives to maintain a strong presence at sea, effectively deterring piracy and robbery. These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in criminal incidents at sea, with only two reported cases of piracy and three cases of sea robbery in 2022, compared to 22 and 16 incidents respectively in 2020.
The Chief of Naval Staff proudly mentioned that the decrease in maritime criminal activities led to Nigeria being removed from the world piracy list by the International Maritime Bureau in 2021. This achievement marked the lowest incidence of piracy in 27 years, showcasing the navy’s dedication to safeguarding Nigerian waters.
Furthermore, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the successful outcomes of Operation Delta Sanity, a strategic initiative launched in January to combat crude oil theft. Through this operation, the navy has effectively disrupted illegal activities, preventing the theft of approximately 448,380 liters of illegally refined gas, 68,250 liters of petrol, and about 6,293 barrels of stolen crude oil.
In addition to combating piracy and crude oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has also been successful in curbing smuggling activities. Operations such as Calm Waters II and the tripartite joint border patrol have been instrumental in intercepting smuggled goods, including over 5,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice and more than 1,200 bags of marijuana in 2023 alone.
Furthermore, Vice Admiral Ogalla reported that 15 fishing trawlers were apprehended for various offenses between January 2023 and January 2024. The Chief of Naval Staff commended the collaborative efforts of the participants of Naval Warfare Course 8, which includes naval officers, air force, and army personnel, as well as representatives from Cameroon, Ghana, and Guinea Bissau.
In conclusion, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s address highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security, defending Nigerian waters, and combating various forms of criminal activities at sea. The significant decrease in piracy and other maritime crimes is a testament to the navy’s diligence and unwavering dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
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