Nigerian Navy Boosts Legal Capacity to Tackle Maritime Crime

The Nigerian Navy has launched a renewed drive to strengthen its legal capacity in response to rising concerns over failed maritime prosecutions, procedural lapses, and the growing complexity of enforcing the law across Nigeria’s waters. Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, Chief of Administration of the Navy, announced the initiative at the opening of the Navy’s inaugural Legal Training Seminar in Abuja on Tuesday. Mamman described legal weaknesses as a critical national security gap, allowing maritime offenders to exploit loopholes and evade justice. He said the three-day seminar, themed “Strategic Enforcement of Maritime and Labour Law for Enhanced Naval Operations and Justice Delivery in Nigeria,” is aimed at addressing systemic shortcomings in handling maritime crimes, including piracy, illegal oil bunkering, smuggling, and unlawful vessel operations. “The challenges in prosecuting maritime-related offences are no longer abstract—they affect operations, morale, and national security. Too many cases collapse due to technicalities and avoidable errors. This must stop,” Mamman said. He identified four major problem areas: weak prosecution due to poor documentation, mishandled evidence, and gaps in inter-agency coordination; procedural inconsistencies in Standing Courts Martial; labour and personnel-related disputes; and issues in civil–military relations and rules of engagement, which intersect with human rights and international law. Mamman emphasized that the seminar will equip naval legal officers with enhanced skills in maritime law enforcement, vessel detention procedures, prosecution of maritime and military offences, and compliance with national and international legal frameworks. He noted that hosting the seminar at a Nigerian Army facility underscores the growing tri-service approach to operational justice. He also commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for championing legal reforms and supporting initiatives to strengthen legal professionalism. Representing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Director Legal of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Usman Muhammed, praised the Navy for its commitment to upholding the rule of law. He described the seminar as a testament to the Navy’s dedication to professionalism and its resolve to operate within legal frameworks. “The Nigerian Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s interests. It is imperative that operations are guided by a thorough understanding of laws governing both land and sea,” Muhammed said, urging participants to leverage the seminar to enhance their expertise and share knowledge with colleagues. The event also featured paper presentations by prominent legal professionals from the military, judiciary, and academia, providing a platform to tackle legal challenges and reinforce the Navy’s operational effectiveness.

Oil Theft: Navy Hands Barge, TUG Over To EFCC

Oil Theft: Navy Hands Barge, TUG Over To EFCC

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA has handed over the impounded TUG MV STEPH 1 and Barge SIMI to the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrested vessels, laden with product suspected to be stolen Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), were handed over to the anti-graft agency on Wednesday at the NNS DELTA Jetty. Commander88 Samuel Musa, the Base Operations Officer (BOO) of NNS DELTA released the vessels to the EFCC on behalf of the Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Chindo Yahaya. Addressing newsmen, Yahaya said that Barge SIMI was impounded with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be AGO at Workson Jetty, Edjeba, on the NPA Expressway in Warri South. He said that TUG MV STEPH 1 was arrested at KFT Yard, Edjeba on the NPA Expressway while discharging suspected AGO into some rubber tanks. The commander said that the two vessels were arrested on July 6. “On July 6, 2023, NNS DELTA arrested Barge SIMI, laden with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be AGO at Workson Jetty, Edjeba on the NPA Expressway. “The barge was without necessary documents and approvals. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the product is an accumulation of Remnants On Board (ROB) from various vessels. “Accordingly, Barge SIMI is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action. “Similarly, On July 6, 2023, NNS DELTA also arrested TUG MV STEPH I at KFT Yard, Edjeba on the NPA Expressway in Warri,” he said. Yahaya said that TUG MV STEPH 1 was caught discharging product without necessary documentation, and approvals adding that it was consequently detained and taken to NNS DELTA. “Accordingly, TUG MV STEPH 1 is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action,” he said. Yahaya said that the NNS DELTA was poised to rid-off its area of illegal activities or operations. He warned those who indulged in such illegalities to desist forthwith. Mr Gomina Suru, Assistant Cdr. EFCC Two, Benin Zonal Command led officials of the anti-graft agency to receive the vessels on behalf of the Commission. “I am directed by the EFCC Two, Benin Zonal Command to take over the TUG and Barge from the NNS DELTA for the furtherance of investigation.” Officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) were on ground to collect samples of the product. 

NIMASA, Navy To Partner On Blue Economy

NIMASA, Navy To Partner On Blue Economy

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have inaugurated a Committee to establish ways in which the synergy between both organs of government can be channeled into creating a welcoming environment for investment in the Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC West), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who inaugurated the 8-Man Committee charged them to come up with policies to create a welcoming maritime environment for investment in the Nigerian Blue Economy. Membership of the 8-Man Committee includes on the Navy side, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, FOC, Western Naval Command; Cdre K.O. Oguntuga, Commander NNS Beecroft; Cdre N.S. Kaman, COO Western Naval Command and Capt. A. U. Tijani. The Committee members representing NIMASA namely, Director Deep Blue Project, Chief Otonye Obom; Head Shipping Development, Kurahson Inuwa; Head, ISPS, Isa Mudi; and Deputy Director,  Cabotage Services, Aisha Usman Dangote. You will recall that the Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Navy to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos recently, had announced the constitution of an 8-Man committee, comprising four each from the Navy and NIMASA. 

Waterways Security: FG To Create Coastal Guards

Waterways Security: FG To Create Coastal Guards

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has said the Federal Government is exploring the possibility of establishing coast guards to ensure security on the nation’s coastline. Oyetola made the disclosure at the weekend during the 32nd Iragbiji Day celebration in Iragbiji, his home town, in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun. “There is conscious efforts on security of marine environment. We have deployed security equipment to safeguard the waterways. “We are already looking at the possibility of establishing coast guards which will be designed essentially to ensure the safety of our coastline. “We have not less than 853 kilometres of coastline in Nigeria and about 10,000 perimeter of inland waterways. “If we want to ensure coastal tourism, we must provide adequate security and we are working with the navy, marine police and others to ensure security of our waterways”, he said. Oyetola commended the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, for using the Iragbiji day celebration to attract development to the town in the last 32 years. The minister, however, condemned the conversion of the Sustainable Development Goal-Focused Skilled Acquisition Centre built in the town by the Federal Government to a football camp by the state government. “I am so unhappy that the same project that we fought for, for our youths to acquire skills, has been turned into a soccer base.”I have no quarrel with football, but the facility must be used for the purpose it is made. “The centre is meant for the acquisition of skills for youth and I want the state government to recognise that this project put in place by the Federal Government is for the benefit of the youths in acquiring skills,” he said. In his remarks, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, said the community had been using the money realised from the annual celebration to assist indigent students in the town. Oba Olabomi said that the community paid for the West African Examinations Council, National Examination Council and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination fees of 50 indigent students of the town from the money realised from the 2022 celebration. The traditional ruler called on sons and daughters to support the community so that more indigent students could benefit. He commended the minister for his support for the town all times.

Navy Nabs 5 Smugglers, Impounds Wooden Boat With 18 Bags Of Rice

Navy Nabs 5 Smugglers, Impounds Wooden Boat With 18 Bags Of Rice

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom says it has nabbed five suspects and impounded a wooden boat together with 18 bags of rice in the state. The Commanding Officer (FOB) Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this in Ibaka when he handed over the suspects and bags of rice to Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) in Ibaka at the weekend. Aneke noted that the suspects were arrested around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday. He said the Nigerian Navy (FOB), Ibaka received intelligence regarding suspected smuggling activities within the area of operation. Aneke explained that the intelligence indicated that a boat was conveying some foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled from Cameroon to Nigeria and transiting within the waters under FOB, Ibaka Area of Operation. “Yesterday, we were able to intercept a wooden boat carrying 18 bags of parboiled rice that are contraband items and they were concealed under 600 baskets of Tomatoes. “Today, we are handing them to Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) for further investigation and persecution. “Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, criminal activities will not be tolerated on Nigerian waters. “We will continue to frustrate their efforts,” Aneke said. He urged officers and rating to continue to sustain the pressure, to deny any of the criminal individuals or groups further freedom of actions, for our national development to continue to be sustained on Nigerian waters. Aneke said that “FOB Ibaka under Eastern Naval Command will continue to detect you with our advanced surveillance equipment, apprehend you, and ensure your arrest and prosecution”. He warned criminal elements that Nigerian waters and the coastal areas were not safe for illegal activities. Handing over the suspects and contraband to NCS, Superintendent of Custom, Kikems Danbana, thanked the Nigerian Navy, especially FOB, Ibaka for the synergy going on between Navy and Joint Boarder Patrol Team Sector 1. “We wish that the synergy will continue in due time,” Danbana said. He said that the suspects and the contraband would be taken to Calabar for further action.

Navy Arrests 8 Over Illegal Bunkering Activities

Navy Arrests 8 Over Illegal Bunkering Activities

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team has arrested eight persons in a wooden boat involved in illegal bunkering activities within the Lagos anchorage. The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said this during the handing over of the suspects to officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at NNS BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos State. Oguntuga, who was represented by his Deputy, Capt. Christian Akokota, said that the feat was made possible on October 25, using the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcone Eye Alignment. The commander said that the wooden boat, laden with eight-member crew, over 300 drums, pumping machines and other equipment was prevented from getting to its destination to perpetrate illegal bunkering. He gave the names of the suspects as: Selafei Tito, Seba Hunton, Etieni Abibu, Ahousansou Lawlent, Oke Job, Abel Yede, Matiye Husa and Husa Hungha. “This illegal activity would have robbed the nation of huge quantity of products for consumption by Nigerians. “The timely interception by the patrol team is also commendable, as it prevents disaster associated with illegal handling of these inflammable petroleum products by unscrupulous people,” the commander said. Oguntuga said that the proactive response further reveals Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanurl Ogalla. He said that the Navy would remain committed to safeguarding vital resources as well as the effective safety of live and property, particularly within the maritime domain. “We remain resolute at effective ocean governance by ensuring the full weight of the law is meted on perpetrators of maritime crimes, which is necessary to sustain economic prosperity of the nation. “The arrested persons will be properly interrogated to expose their motives and the identities of likely sponsors in the course of the investigation prior to prosecution,” Oguntuga said.

Naval Forces Intercept Vessel Involved In Unlawful Bunkering Operations

Navy Seizes Boat Engaged In Illegal Bunkering

The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS BEECROFT has thwarted illegal bunkering within the Igboelejo community area of Lagos State and seized the boat used for the criminal activity. The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Lagos at the weekend. Oguntuga said that the feat was made possible in response to intelligence received on Thursday, through the state-of-the-art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. He said that the vessel contained 205 drums of a substance suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit and other products. “The patrol team vectored to the specified area successfully apprehended a large blue fibre boat suspected to be engaged in illegal bunkering. “The patrol team acted with precision, securing the vessel and promptly transporting it to the base,” he said. The commander said that regrettably, the perpetrators abandoned the boat and fled upon sighting the patrol team. “However, investigation and necessary actions to ensure appropriate handling of the incident is ongoing,” the NNS BEECROFT boss added. He said that the operation underscored the navy’s unwavering commitment under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, to ensure safety in the maritime domain. “We will continue to ensure and sustain maritime security and eradicate illicit activities that can trigger fire hazard in coastal communities and within our maritime domain,” he said. Oguntuga appealed to the general public to provide necessary information to nip catastrophic incidents in the bud before they occurred. He added that the navy remained steadfast in its mission to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment for the prosperity of the nation.

Navy deploys Deep Blue assets to secure Nigerian waters

Navy deploys Deep Blue assets to secure Nigerian waters

The Nigerian Navy says assets acquired by NIMASA under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the Deep Blue project, have been fully deployed. This is contained in a statement by the Acting Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command and Commander Deep Blue Project, Commodore Victor Choji, in Lagos at the weekend. He said the deployment was across the South West, Central and Eastern Zonal operations to enhance patrol of the Nigerian maritime domain. Choji made the declaration during a working visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi to the Management of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). He added that the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla was fully committed to the success of the Deep Blue Project. “The assets have already been well deployed; as we speak five armored vehicles are deployed in Port Harcourt and three in Bonny. “The project team deployed 10 more vehicles there, in addition to a drone unit in Bonny and some personnel,” the commander added. According to him, the mere presence of the deep blue assets in those locations during the last General election provided the needed inference required. Choji also said that in the Central Zone Command, the Navy had deployed three units of special mission elements in Brass and two of the interceptor boats, and a special intervention force to the central command. “In Lagos, just last week, we got a directive that there is a requirement and we are about to deploy two interceptor boats to support the operations that are ongoing in Lagos Inland waters. “I can state categorically that we have the full backing of the Nigerian Navy for the success of the Deep Blue Project,” Choji said. On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, said that the assets acquired by the agency under the Deep Blue Project were being managed by a project team headed by a Commodore of the Nigerian Navy. He restated the Agency’s commitment to a robust relationship with the Nigerian Navy towards the economic development of the country. “I believe that the agency and the Nigerian Navy have a lot in common to ensure safety and security in the nation’s waters. “While the Nigerian Navy takes care of the kinetic operations, NIMASA concentrates on non-kinetic operations, and the two will have to go hand in hand if we must succeed. “If you look at the Armed Forces Act, the Nigerian Navy has a role to play in ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the NIMASA and Customs and Excise Acts,” he said. Jamoh expressed the desire of NIMASA to earn full value for funds invested and invest more in the operations of the Deep Blue Project. He said that the agency was in constant liaison with the National Assembly to update of the nation’s maritime laws with particular reference to the Merchant Shipping Act. This, he said, was to guarantee adequate punitive measures to deter criminalities on Nigerian waters. While commending the Nigerian Navy for their efforts in tracking erring vessels which switched off their Automatic Identification System, AIS, Jamoh called for improved synergy among all organs of government in the maritime sector. “Particularly, the Nigerian Navy and the marine arm of the Nigerian Police to quickly tackle head on, pockets of recent criminalities in the Lagos anchorage and inland waters,” he said. 

Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft

Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft

In compliance with a court ruling, the Nigerian Navy has handed back a merchant tanker vessel, MV TIS IV, and a Barge Podium, which were impounded for their involvement in oil theft, to their respective owners over the weekend. Following the court conviction of the crew and the subsequent decision to forfeit the stolen crude to the federal government while returning the vessels to their owners, the Naval facility Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso in Brass, Bayelsa, witnessed the return of these impounded vessels. The MV TIS IV had been detained for two years, while the Barge Podium had been held for six years, both on allegations of engaging in crude oil theft. The release of these vessels was conducted in accordance with a directive from the Naval Headquarters, adhering to the court’s judgment. The handover took place at a brief ceremony at FOB Egwema, Brass, and was conducted by Commander Dantani Bukar, the Executive Officer of FOB, on behalf of Navy Captain Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who was represented. Commander Rogo recounted the circumstances leading to the vessels’ detention. MV TIS IV was apprehended on December 5, 2021, within the Akassa River creek in Bayelsa, while the Barge Podium was seized on May 15, 2017, in the Alaki area of Rivers State. The MV TIS IV, carrying 17 crew members and approximately 700,000 liters of suspected stolen crude, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. The crew members were found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The court further ruled that the vessel’s content be forfeited to the federal government, a process executed by the EFCC on February 23, 2023. Commander Rogo explained that the court also ordered the vessels’ release to their owners on bond. FOB Formoso, acting on the directives of the Naval Headquarters, facilitated the handover to the owners in the presence of EFCC representatives. He emphasized FOB Formoso’s commitment to upholding the strategic goals set by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in the battle against oil theft and illegal bunkering within the maritime domain. He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment, conducive to legitimate business operations and aligned with national security objectives.