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DEFENCE

Buhari Reviews Naval Fleet, Says Nigeria’s Military Combat Ready

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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed confidence that the incoming administration of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to provide crucial support to the Nigerian Navy, maintaining the positive trajectory achieved during his own tenure.

Speaking on Monday at the Presidential Fleet Review held at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, possibly the last by him in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief, the President expressed immense satisfaction with the array of naval assets on display and combat readiness of the Nigerian military.

Recognizing the nation’s pride in the navy’s numerous achievements during his eight-year administration, the President stated: 

‘‘I have no doubt that the incoming administration of President-elect, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will sustain the current tempo of my administration in giving the Navy necessary support to effectively carry out its assigned tasks.

‘‘My best wishes to our Navy for protecting our maritime domain and the economic prosperity of Nigeria. As I leave office on 29th May, I wish you all fair winds.  ONWARD TOGETHER and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’   

The President stated that he had no doubt that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Navy would continue to acquire new assets, expand shipbuilding for export purposes, promote indigenous production, intensify the fight against piracy, and address issues pertaining to crude oil theft in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He noted the significant reduction in piracy over the past seven years, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries by the International Maritime Bureau in March 2022.

He applauded the application of technology in securing the maritime domain, which facilitated intelligence-driven deployment of naval ships and enhanced their effectiveness.

The President specifically commended the diligent prosecution of MT HEROIC IDUN, which was detected and apprehended for attempting to load crude oil without authorization offshore Bonny in August 2022.

He noted that this successful interdiction further reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to protecting the country’s resources.

Buhari, who acknowledged the significance of the diverse ships and helicopters on display, noted that it symbolized the nation’s maritime power and its preparedness to carry out the Navy’s constitutional roles.

Praising the impressive combat displays staged by elements of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, alongside a combination of assets from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, he said:

‘‘I expect this to translate into actual capability to dominate Nigeria’s maritime environment and secure the vast resources therein for the socio-economic development of our great country.’’

Furthermore, the President highlighted the strong link between maritime security and economic prosperity.

Given that the maritime environment serves both as a storehouse of resources as well as medium for maritime transport in the country,  he stressed the importance of the safe and secure utilization of these resources to drive national prosperity and support Nigeria’s aspirations for a thriving Blue Economy.

On the administration’s efforts in recapitalizing the Navy Fleet in the last seven years, the President listed the acquisition of 20 capital ships for the Navy, comprising encompassing Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transports, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, helicopters, as well as over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels and Assault Craft.

During the Fleet Review, Buhari also inaugurated several notable additions to the Navy’s fleet, including a new helicopter, NN410, manufactured in Italy, as well as the landing ship transport NNS KADA, constructed in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

He thanked the People’s Republic of China for the generous donation of NNS IBENO,  highlighting the importance of mutual military cooperation with partner nations, which has also encouraged local shipbuilding efforts by the Nigerian Navy.

He declared that the Nigeria Navy’s endeavors in indigenous shipbuilding, in line with the nation’s local content development plan, have yielded positive outcomes.

‘‘Our naval engineers were wholly responsible for building 3 Seaward Defence Boats namely, NNS ANDONI, NNS KARADUWA and NNS OJI. In December 2021, I performed keel laying foundation for the construction of 2 Seaward Defence Boats, which will be ready by 2024.

‘‘At this rate, I have no doubt that our Navy will soon commence construction of larger ships for itself and other navies in the region and beyond.

‘‘This achievement is a great pride to Nigeria and an impressive contribution to national development,’’.

On the theme for the 2023 Fleet Review, “Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity,” the President explained that it emphasizes the Navy’s ability to respond to threats in maritime spaces and the Gulf of Guinea, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting national prosperity.

He commended the Navy for effectively deploying these vessels, resulting in successes in combating crude oil theft, conducting counter-drug operations, and addressing piracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Lagos State, as well as other maritime stakeholders, for their crucial support in facilitating the Fleet Review.

He added that more than half of Nigeria’s maritime trade passes through Lagos ports, which serves as a lifeline for the nation’s industry and economy, fostering cordial working relations becomes even more imperative.

The President congratulated the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, and the entire naval personnel for their exceptional organization of this historic event.

DEFENCE

Police Intensify Security in Cross River Ahead of Easter Festival

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The Cross River Police command says it has beefed up security across the State preparatory to the celebration of Easter festival.

Mr. Gyogon Grimah, the Commissioner of Police, made this known in Calabar on Monday.

According to him, the tactical teams of the Police as well as other regular formations have been deployed at strategic positions within the state to secure the lives and property of the residents during the festival.

This is contained in a statement signed by the command spokesperson, SP Irene Ugbo and made available to newsmen in Calabar on Monday.

The CP who felicitated with the people of the state and Christian faithful, directed for close surveillance activities, foot/vehicular patrols, and visibility policing across, to forestall security breaches during the period.

He said the Police Area Commanders, Divisional Police Oficers (DPOs) and Tactical Commanders were directed to ensure safety and security of the general public before, during and after the event.

“The Police Command will not fold its hand and watch any group or individuals under whatever guise to obstruct or cause breakdown of law and order.”

“I urge all public spirited individuals to volunteer useful and genuine information to the Police and support the Police and other security agencies to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state and the nation as a whole,” he appealed,” he said

He enjoins citizens residing in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear or panic.(NAN)

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DEFENCE

Air Force Knocks out Terrorists’ Enclaves Near Lake Chad

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of the military special task force, “Operation Hadin Kai’’, has continued to decimate terrorists and their hideouts at Tumbuns near Lake Chad.

NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, stated on Monday in Abuja that intelligence report received made airstrikes on a location Northwest of Arina Woje in Tumbuns on Sunday imperative.

He explained that the report indicated the presence of terrorists’ hideouts at the location.

He added that the report also confirmed an activation of terrorists’ activities around clusters of structures concealed under trees near the location.

“A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their hideouts set ablaze, thereby degrading their capabilities to attack surface forces.

“These strikes have also degraded the capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region to attack innocent civilians residing near Arina Woje in Borno,’’ Gabkwet stated. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Army’ll Continue to Build Capacity to Surmount Security Threats -GOC

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigeria, Maj.-Gen  Mayirenso Saraso, says the Nigerian Army will continue  to build the  capacity of its Officers and men to enable them surmount the emerging security threats.

The GOC stated this at a three-day capacity building for 1 Division Operations Planning Cadre 2024 for Officers on Monday in Kaduna.

Saraso said the avenue was to bring together the participants of the ranks of Captains to Colonels in the divsion’s Area of Responsibility to build cohesion and synergize with sister security agencies.

“The training is organized to refresh us on the various aspects of operations planning process in order to enhance our

skills and improve capacity in single and joint service operations planning process,” he said.

The GOC  said this was in line with the Chief of

Army Staff’s command philosophy.

It is: ‘ To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment’.

Saraso said, “As we are all witnessing, warfare is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of threats and

advancement in technology.

“In view of this, armies world over

are continually engaged in training and capacity building to enable them surmount emerging security challenges.”

According to the GOC,  the Nigerian Army  equally recognizes these changes and therefore, seeks to develop capacity through realistic training that will enhance its

operations.

He explained that the division’s experiences in Birnin Gwari,Falgore, Kagara and other forests, among others, had helped it to draw useful lessons and identify gaps in the conduct of its operations.

The GOC said the  1 Division Operations Planning Cadre for this year was expected to explore ways of building on existing efforts by it to meet its operational needs in the areas of Warfare Operations Planning.

“Others are military decision making process, intelligence preparation of the battle space and logistics in operational planning amongst others, “he said.

Saraso  urged the participants to have an open mind in order to derive maximum benefits from the cadre.

The GOC appreciated  the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja  for providing the resources for the cadre, his exemplary and inspiring leadership, support motivation to the division..(NAN)

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