Navy Acquires War Ships As Fight Against Maritime Crimes Intensify

file photo
file photo

The Nigerian Navy says it is expecting two ships from China and the United States of America before the end of year 2014, as it intensifies effort to stamp out maritime crimes in the country.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin disclosed this in his welcome address at the occasion of the Navy ceremonial sunset and 2014 end of year ball held at the NNS Quorrah, Apapa Lagos.

According to him, the Navy is also collaborating with sister agencies to counter insurgency and all forms of insecurity across the country. The security agency has therefore enhanced its operational efficiency by way of sustaining its prioritization of training and human capital development.

Jubrin stated that the Navy had recorded some achievement in its policing duties, which he said has led to the drastic reduction of crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

The progress recorded by the Navy regardless, Jubrin noted that a lot still remained to be done, including provision of basic infrastructure such as jetties and repair facilities which were still inadequate. Another thing is the supply of materials such as Petroleum oil and lubricants, as well as spares for the the regular maintenance of the new platforms the navy was acquiring.

“Though this demands are heavy, the consequences of neglecting them are more dire especially for a nation like Nigeria whose livelihood and well being are very closely tied to the maritime environment,” he said.

58 officers, comprising 17 Rear Admirals, 25 Commodores, nine Captains, three commanders and four lieutenant commanders who retired from the Nigerian navy within year 2014 were also honoured at the event.