The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC)
Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Adm. Bello Al-hassan, on Tuesday said the
Navy had deployed seven ships and 37 patrol boats for maritime security drill
in the Niger Delta.
Al-hassan told the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) at the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, that the command had
commenced a sea/backwater exercise code named: ‘Octopusgrip’ in Onne, Rivers.
He said the exercise would give
the participating ships and crew a great opportunity to showcase their
professional capacity in securing the maritime environment within the Command’s
Area of Responsibility.
According to him, the sea-based
operation is to enhance the combat readiness of the troops which commenced on
Monday and will last for three days.
The FOC said the objective of the
exercise was to consolidate on the gains of “Operation Rivers Sweep” that was
launched in January.
He said the earlier operation had
reduced crude oil theft and other maritime illegalities, 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 for 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.
The Officer in Charge of the
exercise, Commodore Habib Usman, said 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.
He said the exercise was in two
phases: The Riverine Operation and the Sea Exercise, planned to run
concurrently. (NAN)
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