The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo on Tuesday disclosed plans by the Navy to extend its anti-piracy operations to neighbouring nations’ waters.
This move, according to the CNS, became necessary following cases of piracy and kidnappings perpetrated by some Nigerians in neighboring countries and as far as 100-200 nautical miles off the coast.
The Naval Chief who spoke at the 10th edition of the Securex West Africa organised by Montgomery Group Afrocet in Lagos, however, noted that the move would place a huge burden on Nigeria and particularly the Navy as more ships and logistics would be required for the extended patrols.
He said that the Nigerian Navy’s swift response to illegal activities at sea has led to a reduced rate of successful attacks in the Nigerian domain.
“Unfortunately, recent observation has revealed the transnational nature and migrations trends of these criminals especially pirates.
“Many pirates and kidnappings are now being perpetrated in the neighboring countries and as far as 100-200 nautical miles off the coast.
“It becomes necessary to extend Nigerian Navy anti-piracy operations to neighbouring nations’ waters. This places a huge burden on Nigeria and particularly the Navy as more ships and logistics are required for these extended patrols,” he said.
Admiral Gambo reiterated that as the lead security agency responsible in the maritime environment, the Navy has been very consistent in its efforts at checking maritime crimes.
He said various operations launched by the Navy such as Operations Tsare Teku and DAKATAR Da Barawo led to the deactivation of 51 illegal refining sites, crushing of 563 metal storage tanks and the destruction of 341 dug out pits.
He added that the criminals were denied about 17,793,432 litres of stolen crude oil, 5, 490, 670 litres of refined AGO and 129,000 litres of DPK worth over N10.7 billion.
Such efforts, he said, were made possible as the Navy has continued to refine its procedures, strategy operations, concepts and doctrinal processes.
Admiral Gambo noted that the focus was to align with providing strategic solutions for protecting critical national infrastructure, utilities and identifying key solutions for Nigeria’s transition to smart and future capability.
He stated that Nigerian waters have steadily witnessed decline in pirate attacks hence seafarers have found the Nigerian Exclusive Economic Zone safe for their business and maritime activities.
“Only 11 cases of pirate attacks and three sea robberies were recorded in 2021 compared to 22 pirate incidents and 16 sea robberies in 2020,” he said.
While outlining some of the challenges confronting the Navy, the CNS said, “The stealing of crude oil which runs into several billions of dollars imposes a huge challenge on the Nigerian Navy to protect critical infrastructure within the Nigerian environment as well as to tackle all forms of maritime crimes.
“Insecurity within the maritime domain, unemployment in the coastal communities manifest in the attack of shipping, sabotage of infrastructure and maritime theft. There are also devised forms of illicit trafficking, unreported illegal fishing including illegal sea mining as well as unauthorized and illegal hydrographic surveys and oceanographic research.
He commended other Security agencies like the NSCDC, Customs, NDLEA collaborative efforts, which has led to the arrest and prosecution of several vessels. In addition, the cordial relationship with International Police (Interpol) he said has been of immense importance to the Navy.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Regional Director, Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson said Securex West Africa has been serving the security and affiliated communities since its launch in 2010 and has become one of the leading and most recognised platforms for exhibitors looking to network and do business in the region.
Securex West Africa is the largest exhibition and conference for the security, safety, fire and facilities management sectors. It is a famous arena to discuss security and avenue to deepen knowledge and innovation in security management.