On Tuesday, the Nigerian Navy's Eastern Naval Command said that 27 vessels involved in illegal bunkering and crude oil theft had been apprehended, and 294 unlawful refinery sites had been destroyed.
While turning over command to his successor, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire, in Calabar, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, the previous Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, announced this.
He claims that the command also conducted numerous "clearance and swamp buggy operations" in its marine area of duty while maintaining effective patrol.
He stated that the activities significantly decreased piracy in Nigeria's maritime area.
Operation Calm Waters, Operation Tripartite Border Patrol, Operation Tsare Teku, Operation Gba Pada, Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, and Operation Obangame 2023 are just a few of the autonomous, joint, and combined exercises the command took part in, according to him.
He mentioned the projects executed to include; the remodeling of Eastern Naval Command swimming pool with a lounge, mini mart and restaurant.
Others are; remodeling of the multipurpose sports hall and conference room as well as construction of corner shops, and a gym at 1006 officers’ quarters.
“Furthermore, across the bases and units, the commanders and commanding officers have embarked on series of projects towards improving the welfare and security of the personnel.
“We remain grateful to God Almighty, who made it all possible and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, for graciously providing the resources.
“I, therefore, implore you all to fully support the incoming FOC, to enable him surpass these achievements during his time here,” he added
The new FOC responded by praising his predecessor for all of the accomplishments he had documented and asking for the officers and soldiers under the command's support and cooperation to help him succeed.
“I look forward to contributing my quota towards achieving the Chief of the Naval Staff’ mission of optimising the deployment of Nigerian Navy in the performance of our constitutional roles and undertaking of assigned tasks,” he said. (NAN)
