The Nigerian Navy has recorded a milestone in indigenous systematic survey and charting of the nation’s offshore water.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major-General Benard Onyeuko, who disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at bi-weekly press briefing on military activities said the commencement of the indigenous survey was necessary to support the federal government’s economic diversification initiative through maritime security, maritime trade and transport.
According to the director, the indigenous surveying and charting would also lead to safety on our waters and boost confidence of mariners.
He said: “With this achievement Nigeria has joined the elite group of charts producing nations in the world. Hitherto Nigeria sourced its charts from Europe.
“Prior to this time all the navigational survey and charts was surveyed and charted by the United Kingdom Hydrographic office. Some of them were conducted as back as
“Furthermore, Nigerian Navy took delivery of a new Ship NNS KADA. The change of flag was carried out in UAE by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Naval Staff. The Ship is billed to stop over in 5 ports in different for flag show before it berths in Nigeria.
“With the acquisition of this Landing Ship Tank (LST) it will give more impetus for aggressive combat patrol, policing and other duties in our coastal waters by the Nigerian Navy.”
General Onyeuko further disclosed that on April 1, 2022, a special operation code named Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO was flagged off at Onne Port Harcourt aimed at curbing crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta area.
The objectives of the special operation are to secure critical maritime infrastructure; to create enabling environment for the sustenance of desired level of hydrocarbon production, safe shipping and economic activities and; to restore investor confidence in Nigeria Maritime domain.
He said the troops in OPERATION DELTA SAFE theatre continued to dominate the zone and conducted anti crude oil theft and anti-illegal oil bunkering related operations at different locations.
During the operation, “troops discovered and destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 37 reservoirs, 31 ovens, 12 large wooden boats, 2 cooling systems, 3 receivers, 3 storage pits and b metal drums.
“Cumulatively, troops with the period under review recovered 12,150,000 liters of illegal refined AGO, 4,000 liters of stolen crude oil, 3 tankers, 3 vehicles, 73 galvanized pipes, 2 motorcycles, 1 bus, 1 Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz car.
Furthermore, 2 electricity cable thieves associated with vandalization and stolen of high-tension cables were apprehended. All recovered items and apprehended criminal element were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, he said.