Navy impounds 40 vessels over illegal deals

The Nigerian Navy (NN) at the weekend said it has stepped up its war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger-Delta and other parts of the country.
It announced that it impounded of over 40 vessels suspected to be involved in illegal oil deals. Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba stated this over the weekend at a media parley towards the 57th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, which begins today with an Inter-denominational church service and to reach a climax on June 1, 2013 with a ceremonial ‘Sunset and Cocktail Party’.
He noted that efforts to eliminate crude oil theft is one of the major targets of the Navy, explaining that the first phase of the strategic efforts to ensure that the menace is brought to an end is on course and yielding success.
Represented by the Naval Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor, the CNS said, “Following the President’s mandate that the issue of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism must be brought to an end, I immediately swung into action by promulgating my first Strategic Guidance for the NN.
“To give effect to Guidance- 01, I embarked on a Fleet Evaluation/Joint Maritime Exercise, code named ‘Exercise FAR AUTA…to assess the operational readiness of the Nigerian Navy fleet and intensify the ongoing naval operations against illegal activities in the Niger-Delta region with emphasis on Bonny-Akassa-Escravos axis up to the limits of the offshore oil platforms of Bonga and Bogi areas notorious for crude oil theft”.
“In all, the increased patrols by the Commands (East, West and Central) have resulted in the arrest of over 40 vessels and destruction of many badges used for crude oil theft”.
He said efforts are in top gear to put in place, a combat ready fleet to effectively tackle security challenges in the maritime sector of the country, explaining that five Seaward Defence Boats have been commissioned for that earlier this year, in addition to the ongoing construction of two 95m Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), which are expected to be delivered before the end of 2014.
He added that the Navy has also commenced the local construction of the second Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) of the ANDONI Class, the first locally made naval boat in West Africa.
“The project, as conceived has national prestige attached to it that would project the country as one with the capacity to enforce the Cabotage Laws in its maritime industry”. “In furtherance of its support, the United States (US) Government has just made another offer of Excess Defence Articles to the NN.
These are the US Navy Survey Ship MCDONELL and the US Coast Guard Cutter GALLATIN”, he disclosed.
He further stated that the transfer of these ships to the NN would be actualised before the end of next year 2014. Meanwhile, the rest of the activities lined up for the 2013 Navy Week Anniversary, which starts today, apart from the church service and cocktail party on June 1 include Juma’at prayers in all the commands.
Also, Naval ships will be opened to visitors on May 29, while on the same day, there will be medical rhapsody in host communities, followed by a sea trip on May 30, 2013.