The tireless efforts of the Nigerian Navy to rid the nation’s waterways of criminals is presently yielding results, as it has intercepted 17 vessels which were found indulging in illegal maritime activities in the South-south coastal area.
Speaking with newsmen in Port-Harcourt, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said the success was as a result of a joint sea military exercise code named “Operation FARAUTA”.
The word “FARAUTA” in Hausa means hunting.
The joint military exercise which took place between November 11 and November 17, saw the interception of 17 vessels, out of which, two had to further explain on the quantity of product they had on board.
The naval chief said the apprehended vessels did not possess the required documents authorising their activities, while one could not tender a single document.
Ezeoba said: “It is important to note that the exercise would be continuous and we will do what is humanly possible within the limit of available logistics.
“Going out at sea had cost us a lot in terms of human and material resources and for us to continue to do what we are supposed to do, it is important we get all the support we can get from government.”
“The enormity of the wealth of this country, the peace and stability, sustainable economic growth and development lies in the sea and it is only the Navy that has the capacity to protect it.
“So we need to be encouraged and be empowered; so I can assure you that given the right resources we will certainly deliver,” he said.
He called for more equipment and patrol facilities to assist his men in safeguarding the waters while calling for media support in tackling the menace of illegal activities on the sea.
He also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and provide useful information that would help the Navy in arresting law breakers.
Comments