Navy tightens grip on Western waters, dismantle 20 illegal refineries, rescue 82 victims
The Nigerian Navy has strengthened its grip on the Western waters, in a bid to enhance trade and economic activities in the region. This move is aimed at providing a secure environment for merchant ships to operate, thereby boosting Nigeria’s economy. This is even as it said it also dismantled over 20 illegal refineries, rescued […]
The Nigerian Navy has strengthened its grip on the Western waters, in a bid to enhance trade and economic activities in the region.
This move is aimed at providing a secure environment for merchant ships to operate, thereby boosting Nigeria’s economy.
This is even as it said it also dismantled over 20 illegal refineries, rescued 31 human trafficking victims, and recovered 51 stowaways, thereby curbing smuggling, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes.
The increased presence of naval vessels in the Western waters, starting from Lagos to Ondo, is also designed to prevent criminal activities such as piracy, sea robbery, and illegal oil bunkering.
The newly appointed Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, made this disclosure on Wednesday when he assumed as the 46 FOC.
Addressing defense correspondent, at the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command, he said he is going to consolidate on the achievement of the out-gone FOC, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, who retired from service yesterday.
While thanking the Chief of the Naval staff (CNS) for finding him worthy to man the cradle of the Navy, stated that his mission in the Western Naval Command will be drawn from the CNS specific directive and the core values of the navy.
“This is drawn from NN statutory provision which include to protect the nation’s maritime domain towards achieving the Blue Economy. In doing that, my mission is hinged on five critical philosophy which revolves around operational excellence, team work, professional efficiency, discipline and personnel welfare.
“My mission here is to establish intelligent driven operations in the entire maritime space and I expect all my unit commander to key into it” he said.
Speaking further he said, aside deploying several warships and patrol boats to the Western waters, he also intend to adopt a technology driven approach into his operations, which according to him, will help save cost.
Admiral Mustapha explained that the Western Naval Command, is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all ships operating in his area of responsibility.
Earlier, the out-gone FOC, Vice Admiral Michael Oamen, while given account of his stewardship disclosed that the command achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to curb illegal refining activities in the Southwest region.
He revealed that within a one-year period, the Navy successfully dismantled 20 illegal refineries, dealing a substantial blow to oil thieves and vandals.
“In its anti-crime efforts, Western Naval Command intercepted 6,000 bags of smuggled rice, 30,000 litres of illegal petroleum products, and 193 packs of narcotics.
“The Command provided security coverage for critical national assets such as the Dangote Refinery, NNPC pipelines, and Atlas Cove, through its Forward Operating Bases in Lekki, Epe, and Badagry.
” Regular engagements with stakeholders strengthened cooperation, reduced vandalism, and promoted safer maritime trade.
Internationally, Western Naval Command hosted eight foreign naval ships and participated in multinational exercises like Grand African Nemo 2024, OBANGAME Express 2025, and Crocodile Lift 2024 and 2025 respectively, enhancing interoperability and intelligence sharing. The Naval Air Base Ojo provided aerial support for surveillance and reconnaissance.
“This achievement is a testament to the Navy’s commitment to protecting the nation’s oil and gas resources. The dismantling of these illegal refineries has not only disrupted the operations of oil thieves but also helped to reduce the environmental hazards associated with these illegal activities” he added.