The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy revealed that it prevented the loss of N95 billion to criminal elements in the maritime domain between April 2023 and February 2024. Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire made this announcement in Calabar during a parade marking the conclusion of his tenure as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the ENC.
The saved amount includes the value of denied crude oil, automotive gas oil, premium motor spirit, and dual purpose kerosene. The operations were carried out across three operational bases: Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, and NNS Jubilee in Akwa Ibom.
During his tenure, the command made significant efforts to maintain effective presence at sea within its area of responsibility. It executed numerous clearances and anti-crude oil theft operations in the backwaters, resulting in the interception of 13 vessels and 101 suspects engaged in illegal activities.
The command also deactivated approximately 315 illegal refining sites and seized a substantial amount of contraband, including 571,740 barrels of crude oil, 47,250 metric tons of automotive gas oil, 1,574 drums of premium motor spirit, and 45 metric tons of dual purpose kerosene. These seizures translate to over N95 billion in current market value.
In terms of infrastructure development, the command achieved considerable progress in enhancing its bases, units, and establishments. This includes the construction of a 16-room self-contained accommodation for officers at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder and renovation of senior officers’ mess and offices at the forward operating base in Bonny.
Furthermore, under Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire’s stewardship as the FOC, the command introduced the “Stronger Family” initiative to foster bonding among the families of personnel. This initiative featured programs such as “Family Weekend,” “Commander’s Handshake,” “Call the Spouse,” and “Celebrate the Living.”
Rear Admiral Oluwagbire credited the achievements to the collective effort of the officers, ratings, and civilian staff of the ENC, and appealed for continued support for his successor, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande. Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire assumed office as the FOC of the Eastern Naval Command on April 11, 2023.
NAN
