Lucky Omas
01 January 2019, Sweetcrude, Warri, Delta State — The Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has said the Navy will consolidate on its increased maritime patrol to sustain its success against oil theft and related crimes on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking through the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, FOC, Rear Admiral Suleiman Garba at this year’s ceremonial Sunset in Warri, Delta state the CNS said the navy will continue to maintain greater presence on the maritime ways to crush the hoodlums.
“In the last few months, we have reactivated our operations. We have maintained 100 percent presence at sea. We have a permanent presence in our maritime domain. We have not left room for crude oil thieves. They say “Control is patrol and patrol is control. So we will ensure our consistent patrol to enable control of the maritime domain”, he said.
“The command has ensured the improved use of marine domain awareness facilities in monitoring illegal activities as well as a sustained presence at sea, creeks, and waterways.
We have sustained anti crude oil operations which have led to the destruction of countless illegal refineries as well as the arrest of persons and vessels of interests. In addition, the Command has sustained the Chokepoints regime which serves as a force multiplier in support of our operation”, he said.
The naval chief also commissioned the remodeled Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, in Warri.
He explained that the ceremonial sunset is an annual programme of the Royal Navy to celebrate its success and activities for the year.
“The Sunset ceremony comprises 3 events, beating of the retreat, tattoo, and lowering of the national flag. The period of the year in which the event is hosted has made to be associated with the winding down and interaction among officers after a year-long serious of activities”.