Navy Deploys Gunboats, Helicopters, Others Against Maritime Crime In Lagos

The Western Naval Command, Nigerian Navy, on Thursday, launched a special operation, code-named, operation water guard, against maritime crimes in the Badagry axis of Lagos.

Flagging off the special operations in Lagos, the Flag Officer Commanding, WNC, Rear Admiral, Mustapha Hassan, said the operation was to combat smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities plaguing the maritime space.

According to him, Operation Water Safe is a strategic initiative aligned with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment.

He, however, stated that the operation specifically targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to Benin Republic.

The FOC said, “In a resolute move to combat smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities plaguing the maritime space, the Western Naval Command, led by Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, proudly inaugurated ‘Operation Water Guard’ (OP WG), in the Badagry Axis of Lagos State.”

“In response to the escalating maritime threats, Operation Water Guard is a strategic initiative aligned with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment. The operation specifically targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to Benin Republic.

“The Nigerian Navy has arrested contraband goods, particularly Premium Motor Spirit, drugs and foreign parboiled rice worth billions of Naira. These could have affected the availability of petroleum products as well as jeopardized efforts of small and medium scale enterprises.”

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“The drugs in particular could have further affected the health and stability of the citizens. Eradicating these menace prompted the operation, which covers the maritime environment and adjoining land areas. The operation involves deployment of ships, boats, quad bikes and air assets, showcasing the Navy’s robust capabilities in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space and the Gulf of Guinea. Prominent features of the operation include interdiction, beach patrols, VBSS, cordon and search. It will also involve sustained presence to eliminate other crimes.”

Rear Admiral Hassan, however, disclosed that the operation would make the maritime domain conducive during the yuletide period and beyond.

“As the Flag Officers Commanding, the operation would further ensure the nation’s maritime domain is conducive during the yuletide period and beyond and I solicit for support, especially from the communities.”

The naval boss further mentioned that the operation would not add to already established checkpoints along the road, saying their operations would be intelligence-based and checks would complement the sustained presence at sea.

“Pertinently, intelligence facilities deployed by the Navy have already revealed perpetrators’ hideouts, showcasing images and videos capturing jerrycans stored in houses. Apart from the fact that it is economic sabotage, it also poses threats of fire with consequences on lives and properties which the Nigerian Navy remains resolute to abate.”

“Operation Water Guard stands as a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s waters and ensure a safer maritime environment.”