The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, proudly announced that there have been no recorded incidents of piracy in Nigerian territorial waters over the past two years. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering efforts of the Nigerian Navy in combating maritime crimes under his leadership.
Speaking in Calabar to participants of Naval Warfare Course 8, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted the navy’s successful counterpiracy operations, which have significantly reduced criminal activities at sea. In 2020, there were 22 reported cases of piracy and 16 sea robberies, but by 2022, these numbers had dropped to just two and three, respectively. This marked the lowest level of maritime crime in 27 years and led to Nigeria being removed from the world piracy list by the International Maritime Bureau in 2021.
The Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity has played a crucial role in combating crude oil theft, with Vice Admiral Ogalla reporting that the operation has prevented the theft of hundreds of thousands of liters of illegally refined gas, petrol, and barrels of crude oil.
In addition to tackling piracy and oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has also been successful in intercepting smugglers. Operations Calm Waters II and the tripartite joint border patrol have led to the seizure of thousands of bags of foreign parboiled rice and marijuana, as well as the apprehension of fishing trawlers involved in various offenses.
The Naval Warfare Course 8, which includes participants from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and Guinea Bisau, demonstrates the collaborative efforts of regional partners in enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Nigerian Navy’s achievements under Vice Admiral Ogalla’s leadership are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of its personnel in safeguarding the country’s waters and promoting regional security.
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