The Nigerian Navy has deployed seven ships and 37 patrol boats for maritime security drill in the Niger Delta Region of the country.
Rear Adm. Bello Al-hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), stated that the command had commenced a sea/backwater exercise code named: ‘Octopusgrip’ in Onne, Rivers state.
Rear Adm. Al-hassan, speaking Tuesday to journalists at the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, said the sea-based operation is to enhance the combat readiness of the troops which began on Monday and lasted for three days.
He said the exercise would give its personnel a great opportunity to exhibit their professional capacity in securing the maritime environment within the Command’s Area of Responsibility.
Al-hassan explained that the objective of the exercise was to consolidate on the gains of “Operation Rivers Sweep” that was launched in January, adding that the operation had reduced crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, which caused high degree of insecurity of lives and property in the Niger Delta region.
“All ship companies are, therefore, urged to put their professional skills into practice, as the ships are flagged off to achieve the objective of the exercise.
“Let me remind the general public, particularly the seafarers within the Central Naval Command, that the security of lives and property is key in the conduct of this exercise.
“I solicit your continuous cooperation and support as the CNC set to achieve one of the constitutional mandates of the Nigeria Navy, which is to ensure security within the maritime domain,” he said.
Commodore Habib Usman, the Officer in-charge of the exercise, said the exercise was in two phases: The Riverine Operation and the Sea Exercise, planned to run concurrently, adding that the operation was to assess the readiness of CNC fleet and bases as well as to test the practical skills of personnel in tackling maritime threats.
