News
Navy Destroys 50 Illegal Refineries
Central Naval Command, Bayelsa State says its operatives have uncovered 50 illegal refinery camps operated by suspected oil thieves in Niger Delta communities and set ablaze 150 drums of stolen gasoline
The Command said it also seized wooden boats, known as Cotonuo boats containing over 150 drums of illegally refined automated gasoline
Speaking shortly after the destruction, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman said the operation was the largest discovery of illegal refineries in the region
Rear Admiral Suleiman said the camps were scattered over three nautical miles within the creeks of Asiagbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State contending that, the discovery was made possible through the constant patrol by the command within the area.
According to him, , a combined patrol team from Nigeria Naval bases in Brass, Yenagoa and Delta carried out a joint patrol of the creeks on Saturday night when the camps were discovered and a badge laden with drums of illegally refined AGO arrested.
The FOC also said the criminals on sighting the Navy abandoned a 40 horse-power speed boat and escaped arrest
Rear Admiral Suleiman ý said that his men went almost two to three hours into the creek before the site was uncovered; stressing that criminals believe in concealment and that it is part of his command’s job to unveil ýtheir concealed area.
ýRear Admiral Suleiman reiterated his command’s strategy to make the illegal activities in waterways unattractive for criminals, advising them to seek for a better and legitimate job, rather than the illegal act.
“We have said it since the assumption of the office as the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command.ý Our strategy is to make the illegal activities in the water ways unattractive for the criminals and we will constantly patrol the area.
“My advise is that they should find a better legitimate job to do. It is criminal to engage in what they are doing and a criminal is a criminal”, he said.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
