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RSG To Boost Fight Against Oil Theft
The Rivers State Government has pledged to provide logistics support to the Nigerian Navy in the operation to fight oil theft and illegal bunkering.
The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, made the pledge during the launching of the 25 Epenal security boats at the NNS Pathfinder on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
Wike underscored the importance of security in the waterways, which he said, will help in the acceleration of development in the Niger Delta.
He commended the Naval High Command for taking concrete measures to stem the theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta by strengthening the security architecture of the waterways.
He said that the local construction of the Epenal security boats has helped in the creation of jobs in the country and the improvement of the capacity of Nigerian ship manufacturers.
He said: “The Rivers State Government is happy with the Naval High Command for deploying these boats to this region. It will help in reducing oil theft. This will in turn have a positive impact on our economy.
“These boats will also check violent crimes in the creeks and improve the standard of living of our people. The Rivers State Government will provide logistics support in the operation of the boats”.
While commending the Federal Government for the measures taken to improve the operational capacity of the military, Wike stated that the state government will always cooperate with the armed forces on security matters.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, said the decision of the Navy to commission an indigenous company to produce the boats will develop the required local capacity for the manufacture of defence equipment.
He said the country was passing through challenging times in terms of security management, noting that the deployment of the additional 25 boats will help the navy.
Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, said it is the first time security boats are being produced locally, adding that the production was half the cost of importing the security boats.
He said that the boats have the required security features to deter criminals in the waterways.
The Managing Director of Epenal Group, Mr Lele Aaron, said it was in the best interest of the country to encourage local ship manufacturers for the creation of jobs and capacity.
Highpoint of the programme was the introduction of the boats to the waterways.
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.
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