Nigerian Navy Ready to Tackle Oil Thieves, Maritime Criminals in Niger Delta
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, has issued a strong warning to oil thieves and other maritime criminals in the Niger Delta, stating that their illegal activities will no longer be tolerated.
Rear Admiral Akinwande emphasized that the Nigerian Navy’s operatives have been equipped with enhanced training, intelligence, and superior firepower to confront these criminals effectively. He assured that the Navy was fully prepared to take decisive action against maritime lawbreakers.
The FOC made the remarks during the commissioning of a new mini shooting range at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, on the weekend. He explained that the construction of the range was a key initiative aimed at boosting the Navy’s operational readiness and professionalism.
“The mini shooting range is a demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to providing its personnel with top-tier training facilities to improve their capacity and effectiveness,” Akinwande stated. “Today, we celebrate the completion of this facility and reaffirm our dedication to excellence, precision, and efficiency in serving our nation.”
He highlighted that the range would play a pivotal role in supporting Operation Delta Sanity 2, particularly in enhancing the personnel’s skills in handling weapons and marksmanship. These skills are crucial for key operations, including the fight against crude oil theft, smuggling, piracy, and sea robbery.
Akinwande acknowledged that Navy personnel operate in a highly challenging environment where quick, accurate, and decisive responses are essential. He urged Unit Commanders to ensure that their teams are well-equipped with the necessary skills to achieve operational goals.
The FOC also expressed his appreciation for the support of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, noting that the construction of the shooting range was part of the CNS’s broader vision to create a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of enhancing security in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He pledged the Navy’s continued commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness in line with strategic directives to eliminate criminal activities in the Eastern Maritime Flank. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment, enabling legitimate economic activities to thrive for the development and well-being of Nigerians,” Akinwande stressed.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Captain Uche Aneke, further explained that the shooting range would play a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s Eastern Maritime flank and carrying out essential policing duties in the region’s waterways. He highlighted the successes the base has achieved in combating crime, including numerous arrests of maritime criminals, which have contributed to a decline in illegal activities within the operational area.
