Navy Rid Calabar Waterways of Piracy, Smugglers, Illegal Oil Bunkering, Says FOC
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THE outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi says the security agency has rid the Calabar water channel of piracy smuggling, cultists, militancy and illegal crude oil bunkering.
He noted that this was made possible through the deployment of platforms and other layers covering the entire Calabar channels upto Oron bypass and Bakassi axis of the nation's maritime environment.
He stated this during his handing over ceremony in Calabar on Wednesday.
Oderemi said this has brought relative peace and easy movement of goods and services through the Calabar waterways.
He said these achievements were made inspite of obvious challenges.
Oderemi who is now the Director of Simulation, Headquarters, Naval Doctrine Command, Lagos, also commended other security agencies for their synergy, especially in the area of information sharing.
"When I first arrived, I understood the complexities and unique challenges faced in this area of operation.
"This area comes with itsnown set of security concerns, ranging from combating piracy/sea robbery, smuggling, illegal oil bunkering, cultism and militancy, to safeguarding our economic assets and ensuring the safety of the people.
"It had been a task that required unwavering dedication, courage, and collaboration.
Through relentless dedication and teamwork, we made measurable progress, striving to create a safer and more secure maritime environment.
"Our accomplishments were not achieved in isolation. The collaboration with host communities, government agencies and other partners was instrumental in our cucesss," he stated.
The outgoing FOC noted that the NNS Victory will continue to contribute to growth and development of the nation's economy even with his departure.
He slalom attributed his suvwss during his tour of duty at NNS Victory to the officers and men of the command who were loyal and willing to contribute their quota to secure the nation's waterways.
According to him, " Through the collaborative efforts of all, we also had some boats repaired while some trees were acquired.
"The result of all this is that people can now do their legal business in peace.
"To other security agencies, I want you to extended to my successor the synergy we had during my tour of duty here to my successor in his tour of duty here at NNS Victory."
Meanwhile, the new FOC of the NNS Victory, Commodore Adejumobi Oride has pledged to replicate, if not surpass, his predecessor's achievements at the base.
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