ONNE (Sundiata Post) – The Nigerian Navy has warned those involved in crude oil theft, sea piracy, unregulated fishing, and other crimes within the maritime environment to stay clear or face the law.
The Fleet Commander of Eastern Fleet and the officer in tactical command (OIC) for the exercise Sea Guard 2024, Rear Admiral Mohamed Moye said this shortly after the end of the exercise sea guard at the territorial borders on high sea at the military wing of the Onne Port in Rivers state on Monday.
Moye said the aim of exercise Sea Guard 2024 has been achieved and has given the Navy the opportunity to correct some lapses ahead of the upcoming Chief of Naval staff’s annual sea inspection.
It is the flag-off for Operation Sea Guard, an operation of the Nigerian Navy, and in his briefing, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande explained the intentions behind the exercise.
According to him, the exercise is a collaboration between the Central and Eastern Naval Commands.
The Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral Mohamed Muye told journalists during the event that sea piracy, unregulated fishing, oil theft, and other maritime offences within Nigeria’s territorial waters will be dealt with.
Admiral Muye further assured that all lapses observed during the exercise have been corrected pending the Navy’s next operation.
The exercise involved a total of about 10 warships, helicopters, Maritime Domain Awareness Assets and elements of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service exercising together in the Atlantic Ocean.
