The Nigerian Navy, according to Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has adopted a strong stance against all maritime crimes, particularly the twin evils of oil theft and piracy.Ogalla made this statement on Friday in Abuja during the Nigerian Navy Ceremonial Sunset and Awards Night 2023.
He stated that the Nigerian navy has carried out a number of maritime security operations that have resulted in the capture of several oil theft-related vessels and people.
He lists Operation AWATSE, Operation Water Guard, and Operation Dakata Barau as a few of these continuing missions.
"We just completed a thorough end-of-year sea inspection involving 13 ships, two helicopters, and a Special Boat Service (SBS) detachment as a tribute to our dedication to operational preparedness.
"This exercise, known as NCHEKWA OSHIMIRI, gave us a great chance to evaluate our battle readiness and ability to handle any possible threats.
"Various naval drills and evolutions, including anti-piracy, anti-crude oil theft, and anti-Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) operations, were conducted at sea during the four-day exercise."
Others included fleet maneuvering, replenishment at sea (RAS), gunnery exercises (GUNNEX), and communication exercises (COMMEX).
"This group of ships is thought to be the largest in the history of the Nigerian Navy, distinguished invited guests," he declared.
According to the CNS, the Nigerian navy has made great strides and accomplishments in 2023. He stated that when he took office, his goal was to keep the navy professional, capable, and sensitive to the needs of the maritime environment.
He stated that making sure the navy fleet was outfitted and ready to face the changing face of maritime security was one of his main goals.
Our attempts to refresh our fleet have advanced significantly this year thanks to the purchase of new ships and the continuous renovation of our current platforms.
Additionally, we have kept up our investments in maritime domain awareness.
"We now have a better grasp of the operations taking place in our waterways thanks to technology improvements and enhanced intelligence collecting.
Additionally, we have persisted in providing personnel and resources to continuing land-based operations in the nation's security hotspots, including the North East, North West, North Central, and others.
He continued, "This has made a major contribution to the country's improved security situation."
According to Ogalla, the navy's dedication to operational excellence has been demonstrated by the accomplishment of significant exercises including Grand Nemo Africa, Obangame Express 2023, Crocodile Lift, and Safe Domain.
He claimed that by working with regional and international partners, the navy was able to improve marine security in the Gulf of Guinea by fighting piracy and other maritime crimes.
He claimed that the ceremonial sunset was a long-standing custom among navies around the world to signify the conclusion of operations.
He said that the purpose of this year's ceremony was to honor those who have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways during the year and to signal the end of Nigerian navy operations for the year 2023.
It also gives us, as a Navy family, the chance to honor the tenacity, devotion, and steadfast commitment of our great naval force.
"Tonight, as we have watched the sun set on another year, let us pause to consider the successes and turning points that we have experienced as a group."
The head of naval operations stated that the navy under his leadership placed a high priority on employee wellbeing, and within his first 100 days in office, he launched important policy initiatives and welfare programs targeted at improving employee well-being.
He expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for providing the navy with unwavering backing that allowed it to accomplish operational victories.
He promised to make sure the navy didn't lose sight of its strategic goals and mentioned that preparations were in place to carry out a combined amphibious exercise with the Nigerian Army and Air Force in the upcoming year.
He states that the exercise aims to improve relationship with international fleets to conduct training exercises and share best practices, as well as strengthen our capacities to execute amphibious operations and sea lift capability.
The Nigerian Navy plans to hold an International Maritime Conference and Regional Maritime Exercise (INCREMEX) in the following year. This event would provide a forum for promoting communication and cooperation with our regional and global partners.
"The Nigerian Navy is seeking to establish the Nigerian International Institute for Maritime Affairs (NIIMA) in collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa, to assist research, innovation, and policy development in the field of maritime security.
"The Nigerian Navy will receive a 32-meter FPB from OCEA shipbuilding in France, three 46-meter FPBs from Poly Technologies and Jianglong China, and two 76-meter OPVs from Dearsan Shipyard in Turkiye among other platforms in 2024," he stated in reference to fleet renewal.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), 58 employees were recognized with CNS Commendation Awards in several categories for their outstanding contributions to research and innovation, bravery, and exemplary character.
Sea Badges and Sea Commands were granted to officers who have held Sea Commands with success.