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Maritime Security

In Nigeria

Quarterly Review No. 13

July 2010

This report is the intellectual property of Bergen Risk Solutions AS (Ltd). It is licensed to

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Nigeria Maritime Security Review No. 13, Jul 2010

Bergen Risk Solutions AS (Ltd) Address: PO Box 44 Fantoft, N-5899 Bergen, Norway - Tel: +47 5557 4260, Mob: +47 4823 3022

Visiting address: Fantoftvegen 38, CMI building, N-5072 Bergen e-mail: [email protected] - www.bergenrisksolutions.com

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Map: Attacks on international maritime assets 1 Jan - 30 Jun 2010

Q1 incidents 1-8; Q2 9-25

THE FOCUS of this report is on attacks in Nigerian territorial waters and inland waterways, and off the Bakassi Peninsula. Only attacks on international shipping and petroleum interests are included. Listing incidents impacting solely on local personnel/materiel would give higher numbers. It would also present serious challenges with regard to overview and access to verifiable and unbiased sources of information. DEFINITIONS: The terms attack and serious security incident are used throughout this report to denote kidnap, armed assault, high-jack, murder and armed robbery (and theft in Lagos) or attempts thereof.

Report release date: 7 July 2010




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Contents:

MAP: ATTACKS ON INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ASSETS 1 JAN - 30 JUN 2010 2 SECURITY CHARTS 4 KEY POINTS 5 NEXT THREE MONTHS THE NIGER DELTA 7 SECURITY SITUATION NEWS REPORTS 8

Trawler owners & ministry concerned about incessant attacks 8 Russian sailors released from captivity stay in Nigeria 8 Kidnapped Russian sailors well, may be in Nigeria 9 Army pulls out of OP Mesa 9 Bunkering at all-time high on high seas 10 Oil theft plagues Nigeria as amnesty falters 11 New threats - Bakassi, Calabar River 12 Maritime situational awareness improves 13

NIGERIAN NAVY NEWS REPORTS 13 Amaechi urges FG to relocate Navy HQ to Port Harcourt 13 Navy calls for dredging of Calabar Port to improve security 14 At 54, Navy stands sentry over Nigeria 14 Navy gives free medicare to rural communities 16 Navy trains Special Forces to protect Nigerias waters 16 Ratings spit fire over Navys mass sack 17 Navy arrest oil vessel with stolen crude 17 Work recommences at Navy FOB Escravos 18 Akpabio commends Nigerian Navy 18 NNPC head pledges cooperation with Navy, Total 19 Navy intensifies security operations, says director 19

NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION & SAFETY AGENCY 20 NIMASA issues biometric identity card to dockworkers 20

AFRICOM 21 US says Africom headquarters to stay in Germany 21 AFRICOM deploys anthropologists, sociologists to africa 21 Military exercises with US begin in West Africa 21 U.S., Nigeria pledge greater cooperation 22

OTHER NEWS REPORTS 23 Taskforce uncovers irregularities at Lagos ports 23 40,000 seamen are jobless in Nigeria [claims Merchant Navy Corps] 23 Equatorial Guinea awards $250 million contract to U.S. firm 24 Pilfering scares shipowners away from Nigeria 24 Eastern ports - shallow draft unsettles FG 25

MARITIME SERIOUS SECURITY INCIDENT STATISTICS 2009/2010 26 SERIOUS MARITIME SECURITY INCIDENT LIBRARY 2009 27




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Security Charts

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

JAN 09

FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN 10

FEB MAR APR MAY JUN

Maritime attacks (excl. local shipping) by month 2009-2010

Kidnap Assault/Robbery Hijack Attempts

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Maritime attacks 2007-2010 (excl. local shipping)

2007 2008 2009 2010




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Key Points

NUMBERS AND FACTS

17 attacks on international shipping were recorded in Nigerian waters and off the Bakassi

Peninsula in Q2 (Apr Jun) 2010. This is 9 more than in Q1. 7 attacks were recorded in June,

5 in May and 5 in April. Attacks rose significantly off Bonny River in Q2 and remained frequent

off Calabar River and the Bakassi Peninsula.

All incidents, except one failed attempt, were armed robberies or assaults. No kidnapping incidents were recorded in Nigerian waters in Q2 (but the crew of a cargo ship was taken off

Bonny on 2 July).

Areas most affected were Lagos anchorage and the waters of Bonny and Calabar Rivers. The

western Niger Delta, off the Escravos and Forcados terminals, has seen a significant reduction in maritime crime this year. No attacks were recorded in Q2.

Militant groups did not claim any of the attacks carried out April through June and no attacks

on oil rigs or other offshore strategic petroleum infrastructure were recorded. Maritime security

threats are now firmly driven by criminal commercial considerations rather than political militancy, even though attacks are often carried out by the same actors.

Attacks in Q2 were mounted against a range vessel types; chemical and product tankers, cargo

vessels and offshore supply ships as well as ferries commuting between Cameroon and the

eastern port of Calabar. Trawlers and fishing boats (which are not part of this tally) continued to be targeted.

Virtually all attacks recorded in Q2 were carried out during hours of darkness but incidents

occurred in broad daylight, too.

So far this year, 25 attacks on international shipping and marine units have been recorded. 35

attacks were recorded during the first six months of 2009. Q2 last year saw 19 attacks.

The total number of recorded security incidents in 2010 is: Lagos 9; Niger Delta 6; Bakassi/Calabar River: 10

59 maritime security incidents involving international shipping and offshore petroleum units were recorded in total in Nigeria in 2009. 69 maritime security incidents occurred in 2008 and

53 in 2007.

The maximum, confirmed strike distance off Lagos since 1 January 2007 is 20 nm from nearest

landfall. Off the Niger Delta only a handful of incidents have been confirmed at a distance greater than 40nm from shore during the same period. (WARNING: Not all attacks are

reported/recorded.) The farthest attack on record from the coast is MENDs attack on the FPSO Bonga on 19 June 2008, 55 nm offshore.

THE SECURITY SITUATION

Piracy and maritime crime is again on the rise. Despite night time curfews on small boat traffic in Lagos port and some of the rivers in the Delta, attackers find opportunities to strike at

marine targets. Thus far, only the western Niger Delta has avoided deterioration in the maritime security situation.




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Attacks in Lagos became more violent in 2009 with a significant increase in the use of firearms. The trend has continued in 2010.

Lagos attacks appear to come in waves. There was a peak between 27 April and 16 May, when

six attacks were carried out. None have been recorded since then. Even though evidence is

scare, it may indicate that attacks are carried out by gangs that fill up and then proceed to offload their loot on the black market. Nigerian authorities, late last year, claimed gangs from

the western delta had relocated to Lagos for the purpose of carrying out raids at the Lagos anchorage.

Overall, the security situation in the Niger Delta has improved since the commencement of amnesty negotiations in August 2009. But the positive impact created by the amnesty

programme shows signs of abating on as well as offshore. Statement attacks on petroleum infrastructure remains low to non-existent but crime, including kidnapping and oil theft, is

rising. Ateke Tom, a key militant leader in Rivers state, said on 10 June that he considered

abandoning the amnesty if the government did not quickly provide jobs and development in the Niger Delta.

The much advertised reinvigorated rehabilitation and re-integration programme started badly

when the Chairman of the Federal Government Amnesty Committee, Mr. Timi Alaibe, was attacked by ex-militants undergoing rehabilitation at Obubra, Cross River state on 1 July. The

former fighters, who among other topics were to receive anger management training,

protested over poor amnesty allowances. However, speaking with news reporter on the phone, Alaibe denied being beaten up by the ex-militants. It was only about 10 of the boys who were

demanding what they were not promised. But the place is calm and lectures are going on now.

Pirate gangs constantly seek soft targets in order to harvest money and personal valuables from local, Nigerian fishing and passenger boats. The problem, unless addressed, will act as a

breeding ground and provide sustenance for gangs which will occasionally mount more daring attacks for richer pickings against international targets in the oil and gas industry and

international maritime trade.

SUMMARY OF MAIN RISKS

Most attacks in Nigeria are carried out against slow moving or anchored vessels and fixed

installations close to the shoreline or on inland waterways. Most, but far from all, attacks happen during hours of darkness.

Usually, there were significant differences in the nature of maritime security incidents in Lagos and the Niger Delta, especially with regards to levels violence involved. However, since late

2008 and increasingly last year this distinction has become less significant as Lagos pirates have become more and more brutal. The majority of attacks off Nigerias main port now

include the use of firearms, and several sailors have been killed or injured in attacks.

The many criminal and militant gangs operating in Delta Region are well equipped with

firearms and fast, small craft. Local communities also pressure the petroleum and shipping industries, sometimes by hiring armed gangs, in order to extort benefits for their own village.

Grudge attacks, caused by personal feuds, envy or disputes over payments/contracts, also represent a significant risk factor, especially in the Niger Delta and off the Bakassi peninsula.




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Slow moving or stationary vessels with a low freeboard are particularly at risk and pirates have

demonstrated a range of boarding techniques ranging from escalade using grappling hooks to climbing anchor chains. In many cases, the vessels radios and alert systems are targeted by

pirates and disabled early in the attack. Pirates have attacked from high speed boats and from canoes. They are adaptable and can be drugged and unpredictable.

Bergen Risk Solutions continues to strongly advise all marine operators to maintain security awareness and to implement mitigating measures when working off the coast of Nigeria

including on the main waterways in the Niger Delta in particular Bonny and Calabar Rivers.

Need more? Download our maritime backgrounder here: www.bergenrisksolutions.com/index.php?mapping=25&langid=en

Or contact us at [email protected]

Next Three Months The Niger Delta

The cautious optimism followed by implementation of the amnesty last year is slowly dissipating as

former militants have grown increasingly restive over the perceived failure of the Federal Government deliver on its side of the amnesty deal. However, President Goodluck Jonathan has

issued instructions to fast track the rollout of post amnesty programmes, which, hopefully, will keep former militants at bay.

Bergen Risk Solutions assesses that the threat of attacks on strategic petroleum infrastructure both on and offshore will remain moderate. In the event that the amnesty programme stalls it is likely

demobilised militant groups will run out of patience and mount a campaign to demonstrate their continued relevance and dissatisfaction. This threat will likely manifest itself in the form of attacks

on key oil and gas export infrastructure.

In the offshore environment possible targets may include SBMs, production platforms, FPSOs and

service vessels as remobilised militant elements attempt to strike at their declared strategic target - the countrys oil and gas industry and major source of revenue. In this event it is likely that

offshore installations will suffer attacks from multiple fast moving speedboats. The attacks will likely aim to damage infrastructure and possibly to kidnap personnel, particularly expatriates. Attacks will

be aimed at forcing companies to de-man facilities and declare force majeure.

In the meantime, maritime criminal activity will remain at moderate to high levels throughout the

central and eastern Niger Delta, including Bakassi. Targets will include all ships that appear vulnerable with the objective being monetary gain by way or armed robberies and kidnapping for

ransom.

Based on recent attack patterns, the areas of highest risk are: Lagos, the waters off Bakassi

Peninsula, the Calabar River especially vicinity of Parrot Island and Bonny Rivers approaches. The entire Delta coastline remains vulnerable to serious security incidents.

Levels of violence in attacks are high, with pirates demonstrating a low threshold for the use of firearms and edged weapons.

Long term drivers of insecurity include legitimate political grievances and personal greed caused

by: discrimination against Niger Delta indigenes by major employers; general unemployment; corruption; poverty; pollution; lack of electricity and clean water; land ownership and destruction of

http://www.bergenrisksolutions.com/index.php?mapping=25&langid=enmailto:[email protected]




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traditional livelihoods. Small arms proliferation and the trade in stolen oil are significant risk drivers

with the latter involving numerous and powerful stakeholders.

The Nigerian federal and state governments are acutely aware of the countrys maritime security challenges and a determined effort is underway in shaping up the Navys response and deterrence

capabilities. But interdepartmental and ministry competition; funding problems; corruption; lack of

hardware; adequate maintenance; training and discipline will continue to restrict the Navys ability to effectively act as a deterrent.

The Nigerian Navy lacks the capacity to effectively protect the countrys offshore environment. It

has few major surface units capable of sustained operations and the militants are more dynamic

and responsive to opportunities to mount attacks.

AFRICOM could generate a significant improvement in security and stability but a foreign and in particular US presence is highly controversial as it stirs political sentiments, geo-strategic issues as

well as national pride. It is unlikely that it will have a significant impact on security for the

foreseeable future, apart from in delivering training to the Nigerian and other Gulf of Guinea navies.

Security Situation News Reports

Trawler owners & ministry concerned about incessant attacks

6 Jul 2010 The Punch: The increase in the activities of pirates is a fallout of militancy in the Niger

Delta region, the Director of Fishery, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Fredrick Adeyemi, has said. The director said the ministry was concerned about the incessant attacks on sea trawlers and the

attendant loss of lives and property but that it is financially handicapped to protect the lives and

property of fishing families in the coastal region. Adeyemi told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday that the volatile security situation

in the region had impacted negatively on fish production, the economy in general and the lives of innocent people in the area. The pirates are coordinated and armed with sophisticated weapons and

the government patrol team is not well equipped to confront them, he said.

He noted that it is the mandate of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Marine Police to enforce security on the nations territorial waters and expressed regret that the Navy was not adequately

equipped to patrol the countrys vast territorial waters. Nigerias total coast line is 853 kilometres, stretching from Badagry to Bakassi and this, multiplied by 200 nautical miles seawards, is a very vast

zone, he said. He expressed the hope that the ongoing rehabilitation of militants by the government would help to reduce the activities of sea pirates.

In a separate interview, the President, Trawlers Owners Association, Mrs. Margaret Orakpusi,

stressed the need for the government to pay serious attention to security on the high sea. According to her, pirates often hijack fishing trawlers, dispossess fishermen of their fish and other valuables and in

most cases kill some crew members. In the last four years, we recorded over 290 attacks and lost more than $200m in the sector alone, Orakpusi told NAN.

She stressed the need for the Department of Fishery and the Nigerian Navy to recommence

their joint patrol of the nations territorial waters to guard against illegal fishing and piracy.1 ...

Russian sailors released from captivity stay in Nigeria

5 Jul 2010 Itar-Tass: Russian sailors from the North Spirit ship earlier kidnapped at Cameroon seaport have been staying at the Russian Consulate in Nigeria pending issuance of documents they need to fly

home. Captain Boris Tersintsev and senior mechanic Igor Shumik, captain of the Lithuanian Argo

1 http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010070612161479

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010070612161479




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refrigerator Dmitry Bashkirov arrived in Lagos and have been staying at the Russian Consulate there,

the Russian Professional Union of Sailors (RPUS) told Itar-Tass. They are to undergo medical examination in Lagos before they leave Nigeria.

The North Spirit was attacked by unknown bandits late on May 16 when the ship was moored at Cameroon seaport. Unknown gunmen attacked the ship, went on board, robbed the ship of cash and

kidnapped the ships captain and the senior mechanic. Fifteen minutes later the gunmen attacked the

Lithuania ship Argo. They kept Captain Bashkirov at gunpoint to force him into a boat.2

Kidnapped Russian sailors well, may be in Nigeria

21 May 2010 Reuters: Two Russian sailors abducted from their ship off Cameroon are in good health and may have been taken by their captors to neighbouring Nigeria, according to the ship's owner and

the Seafarers' Union of Russia (SUR). Unidentified gunmen raided the Greek-owned cargo ship North Spirit on Sunday while it was at

anchor off the port of Douala, taking the captain and chief engineer in an attack analysts say marks an

expansion in the range of West African piracy. The pirates also attacked a nearby Lithuanian vessel, Argo, seizing that ship's captain and robbing its safe. "The (captain of the North Spirit) was allowed to

make a call last night said he and his crew mate were alive and in good health," said Vadim Ivanov, spokesman for the SUR. "He said they had been taken by sea to Nigeria."

The raid is the latest in a string of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, a region stretching from

the Guineas in the northwest to Angola in the south that is an increasingly important source of oil to western markets. Negotiators hired by the insurance company of the Greek ship owner, Balthellas

Chartering, are trying to make contact with the pirates to secure the sailors' release. "They are trying to start (negotiations) but the pirates haven't contacted them yet," said Panayotis Nikoletos, Balthellas'

operations manager. "Hopefully, negotiations will start at some point today (Friday)," Nikoletos said. He said he believed the Lithuanian captain was with the two Russians and added the company was trying

to confirm reports the three were in Nigeria. A spokesman for Limarko, the owner of the Argo, declined

to comment. Analysts said the attack near the port of Douala -- which serves land-locked Chad and Central

African Republic, as well as some parts of the two Congos -- showed pirates in the region were venturing further south and becoming more brazen.

Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea have mostly been clustered off the Bakassi Peninsula on the

restive Nigeria-Cameroon border where various armed groups operate. Cameroon last month blamed piracy for part of a 13 percent slide in oil production in 2009. The country's output averaged 73,000

barrels per day last year, down from 84,000 bpd in 2008. Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea are not on the scale of those off Somalia, where pirates are

earning tens of millions of dollars from seizing merchant vessels, but analysts say the insecurity off West Africa could affect shipping and investment.

The U.S. military is training West and Central African navies and coast guards to combat piracy,

drug smuggling and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea -- a region Washington estimates will supply a quarter of U.S. oil by 2015.3

Army pulls out of OP Mesa

14 May 2010 Sun News: The Nigerian Army has withdrawn all its troops participating in the Lagos

State Security Initiative codenamed Operation Mesa (OP Mesa). Although no reason was given for the withdrawal, Daily Sun however learnt that, beginning from Saturday May 15, 2010, no Nigerian Army

personnel would be participating in the OP Mesa. The revelation was made by the General Officer

Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Eugene Nwanguma while receiving the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Commodore Jerry Unoaromhi who paid him a

2 http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15293462&PageNum=0 3 http://af.reuters.com/article/nigeriaNews/idAFLDE64K1GC20100521

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15293462&PageNum=0http://af.reuters.com/article/nigeriaNews/idAFLDE64K1GC20100521




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courtesy call. ... The GOC also revealed that the Nigerian Army personnel who were participating in the

protection of the Atlas Cove jointly with the Nigerian Navy have been withdrawn. He said: We have withdrawn from the Atlas Cove as you may be aware, the reasons for that I

wont know, but it has become increasingly difficult for the army to sustain the operation without cooperation from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). But I have no doubt in my mind

that that operation with respect to the Army may be reactivated.

Again recently we have received instruction to withdraw from Operation Mesa and I think by today, we must have attained the deadline, which is to say that our men in Operation Mesa would have

withdrawn by this Saturday. Although he declined to say where the directive was coming from, the GOC called for sharing of intelligence between the Navy and the Army in order not be left out when

called back to the initiative.

Speaking with Daily Sun separately, the Commanding Officer NNS Beecroft said even though the force is experiencing some challenges in the policing of the Atlas Cove, the area had been

thoroughly beefed up by the Navy to forestall a repeat of July 12 militant invasion of the area. He said that upon resumption of office, he had undertaken a tour of the area, to see how the force could

properly police the area to prevent any attack by hoodlums. He also said that his men attached to the

Lagos State security initiative have not received instruction to withdraw from the operation, affirming that his men are still part of the security initiative.4

Bunkering at all-time high on high seas

8 May 2010 Weekly Trust (shortened & edited): No sooner than militants of the Niger Delta region

said they have dropped their arms and accepted the amnesty have cases of massive and organized theft of Nigerias oil through the high sea became a daily affair.

Mr Tobore Isaac, a resident of Warri in Delta state who said he does business in the creeks daily as a boat driver said the creeks are still not experiencing the peace they had before the crisis that

led to the amnesty. He lamented that shortly after pronouncing amnesty for the militants, the militants

regrouped and allegedly commenced massive siphoning of oil from flow stations and other facilities belonging to oil companies operating in the area.

We all watched the militants surrender their arms during the amnesty program. But I tell you, when you see them operating on the high sea now, it is as if they have not surrendered anything. They

are still well armed, if not better armed than before. They still fill ships with oil from broken pipes and

flow stations. Another commercial boat driver who sails from Warri to Brass in Bayelsa state, Mr Obodo

Erukakpomrhe, said the way and manner government treated the militants with undeserved honour during the amnesty program is what is sustaining criminal activities in the area. He said a lot of criminal

activities are still taking place around the creeks and on the high sea; bunkering, piracy and armed robbery.

Evidence that bunkering activities around the Warri creeks and the high sea is at an alarming

level was made very clear early this week when a sixty-year-old Ghanaian and nine others were arrested and paraded by the Nigerian Navy for alleged illegal bunkering as the war against oil theft and

piracy in the troubled waters of the Niger Delta intensifies. The Ghanaian who gave his name as Nelson Seanehia, said, to be sincere, I knew we were coming to steal oil from Nigeria. This is not my first

time of being involved. But we do not steal directly. We buy the stolen oil from the Niger Delta youths.

Whenever we come, they take us to different oil installations where they fill our ships and we pay them. Seanchia who could not say how much they paid the youths, nor the quantity of stolen crude oil

loaded into the ship that they were arrested in, however, said they were arrested by soldiers at Escravos before they were led to the JTF headquarters where they are being held and questioned.

We did not come with this ship from Ghana. We hired the ship in Lagos. It was POKATS Nigeria Limited that hired the ship. At the time the ship was hired in Lagos, the name of the ship was

MT SHEKINA. But we erased the name that was boldly written on it and replaced the name with MT B

4 http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/may/14/national-14-05-2010-016.htm

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/may/14/national-14-05-2010-016.htm




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EXCEL at Escravos. We did that to hoodwink security agents and evade arrest. We also changed the

captain of the ship and employed someone from Delta state to give the ship the colouration of a local operator, Seanchia said. (BRS comment: The Shekinah is owned by Pokat Nigeria Ltd, based at

Apapa, Lagos, according to IHS Fairplay. She was arrested on 8 February off Escravos.5) Parading the suspects at the Naval base in Warri, Commander of the base, Commodore Henry

Babalola said the vessel with the name MT Troical was arrested by the Naval Task Group (NTG) led by

Navy Capt. Odogwu Ezekobe, with the 10 crewmen on board. He said the suspected oil bunkering gang was arrested aboard an oil tanker vessel with International Maritime Organization (IMO) registration

number 703891 belonging to Golden Carrier Shipping Services at the entrance of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Escravos. He gave the names of those arrested to include the captain of the

vessel, Mr. Felix Ogogo (a Nigerian), his second in command, Nelson Seanehia (a Ghanaian) who also

acted as the vessel engineer. Others include Yakubu Otun, Teko Peter, Augustine Elimofe, Tony Shube, Lucky Tonwe, Sunday Apou, Segun Agbeyegbe and Mogbeyi Teren.

Commodore Babalola said the arrested vessel which has a tonnage capacity of 1313 metric capacity was loaded with 83 metric tonnes of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil. He said the

impounded vessel has since been escorted from Escravos to the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) old port

for safety and security. The Naval Commodore said preliminary findings by his command revealed that the vessel MT

Troical was registered in Panama as MT Lucia and is owned by Golden Carrier Shipping Company in Athens, Greece. He said as at the time of the arrest the vessel, which at one time was named MT

Scorpion, had no approval from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to transport oil or the approval of the Nigeria Navy to be on Nigerian waters.

Commodore Babalola, who said money made from the theft of crude oil in the country is being

used to acquire illegal arms which are used to terrorize defenceless Nigerians and making our waterways unsafe for genuine businesses, assured that the Nigeria Navy will continue with its statutory

function of keeping the waterways safe in the Niger Delta and beyond. Speaking exclusively with Weekly Trust, the captain of the ship, Felix Ogogo, who hails from

Burutu in Delta state, said he was employed as the Captain of the ship barely two days before they

were arrested. He said he has been jobless for several years before the owners of the ship invited him and appointed him captain of the ship. He lamented that his dream of overcoming his age long

joblessness has been dashed by the arrest. Somebody called me on the phone and asked me to meet them at a hotel in Warri. I met

them, we discussed and they agreed to pay me N400, 000 monthly as my salary. They went and showed me the ship. I was surprised when we got to the vessel. At first they told me it was a Motor

Tanker (MT). But on getting to it, I discovered it was a Motor Vessel (MV) instead. I could not refuse

because I have been jobless for long. I was arrested just about 24 hours after I got on board. Yes, it was true that I met some people on board. But those people I met on board left immediately after I

and about six others joined the vessel, Captain Ogogo said. It could be recalled that soldiers from the Joint Task Force had earlier in February apprehended

and paraded 17 illegal oil bunkerers at the Warri Port. The suspects are still being investigated. When

this reporter visited the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) old port in Warri, the recently impounded vessel, MT B Excel and the MT Kua impounded in February, were among the impounded vessels being guarded

by armed soldiers.6

Oil theft plagues Nigeria as amnesty falters

30 Apr 2010 NTDTV: Nigerian security officials say former militants fed up with the Nigerian governments amnesty program are regrouping and are behind a renewed wave of oil thefts, as well as

kidnappings and robberies. The Nigerian army recently mounted a search and destroy mission to rid the Niger Delta of illegal oil refineries used by oil thieves and militants. The army raided 30 illegal

5 http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=166246) 6http://www.weekly.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3121:ndelta-bunkering-at-all-time-high-on-high-seas&catid=41:news&Itemid=30

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=166246http://www.weekly.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3121:ndelta-bunkering-at-all-time-high-on-high-seas&catid=41:news&Itemid=30http://www.weekly.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3121:ndelta-bunkering-at-all-time-high-on-high-seas&catid=41:news&Itemid=30




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refineries in less than three days of the 80 total in the Bayelsa State of the Niger Delta alone. The navy

intercepted a Greek tanker loaded with 800 metric tons of stolen oil last month and arrested one person on board.

General Bello Sarkin, Army Spokesman, Niger Delta: "Over time we have learnt a lot of tricks used in the illegal oil theft in the Niger Delta, and most importantly also you cannot operate in the

Niger Delta, or for any military operation for that matter, without intelligence, so we have improved our

intelligence gathering and capability. Mcarthy Mbudagha, Lagos based lawyer, says one of the main ways to stop theft is to know

where the thieves hide in the creeks. "One of the ways to address this issue is for the government to make sure the creeks do no longer exist, if they are developed, let's know where they will hide, the

government has enough wealth to develop the creeks, so let's see where they will hide.

Hundreds of former rebels surrendered arms last year to participate in Yar'Adua's amnesty program. The program to rehabilitate, educate and employ thousands of former rebels has stalled since

ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua left last November for treatment for a heart ailment. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, who assumed executive powers in February, has made

security in the oil-producing Niger Delta one of his top priorities, but has yet to get the amnesty

program back on track. Link to a video showing security forces raiding illegal refineries and a Greek tanker taking part in oil theft operations:

http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_me/2010-04-30/462746423581.html

New threats - Bakassi, Calabar River

26 Apr 2010- Daily independent: On 24-25 April, the Nigerian Navy reported that some unrepentant 'militants' have turned the Bakassi axis and the Calabar channel into a huigh threat zone for marine

operators.7

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ikoh Ibrahim reported that the newly emerging pattern of activity posed threat to the nation's oil and gas resources. According to Ibrahim, while the

security situation in the Niger Delta as a whole has improved significantly following the commencement of the amnesty program, much still needs to be done as criminal elements have shifted their attention

to the Bakassi axis and Calabar Channel. His comments were made during a visit to the newly appointed Group Managing Director of the

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Shehu Ladan. Ibrahim said the Navy

required support to acquire more platforms to enable them police the nation's territorial waters and secure its vast marine resources effectively. A statement by the corporation's spokesperson, Dr. Levi

Ajuonuma said that Ladan had promised to join hands with the Nigerian Navy to protect Nigerias oil and gas resources.

The NNPC head also received the Vice President of Total Africa, Mr Jacques Marraud-des-

Grottes, promising to strengthen the relationship between the Corporation and the Nigerian Navy and Total Upstream Nigeria Plc.

Speaking while receiving the CNS, Ladan said the navy is one government security agency that plays a key role in the oil and gas business and that he was privileged to have the Naval chief call on

him. Bergen Risk Solutions reported a spike in maritime and riverine piracy in its last monthly report

on Niger Delta Security. Of the eighth incidents recorded in the maritime and navigable riverine

environments in the Niger Delta, half were in Bakassi waters. The Calabar River and coastal waters are becoming an active hotspot and probably reflect a migration of frustrated militants to Cross Rovers

State where they probably have greater freedom to operate. A militant camp associated with General Franklin and Commander Ebio Dari had been established at Ikang in Cross Rivers in 2008. Additionally,

recent kidnap victims have reportedly been held in the village of Abana in south-western Bakass, now

Cameroonian territory. Bakassi has been historically a nexus of smuggling routes. In recent years the area was a conduit for weapons smuggling by gangs sympathetic to militant groups or linked them

purely through business relationships.

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Maritime situational awareness improves

31 Mar 2010 Vanguard: On 30 March, the Nigerian Air Forces 81 Air Maritime Group based in Benin took into service the second of two ART-42 Maritime Patrol Aircraft purchased by the Federal

Government for the surveillance of the nation's maritime and coastal region. This follows the unveiling of the first such platform in December last year.8

The two aircraft will operate jointly with the Nigerian Navy in patrolling the country's maritime region in a variety of roles including Maritime and Coastal Surveillance, Search and Rescue, Pollution

Control, Anti-piracy and smuggling patrols, and operations to counter illegal bunkering. They have

sophisticated suites of electronics on board that will enable the crew to generate a comprehensive 3-dimensional picture of the air and surface environments off the coast of Nigeria.

In a further enhancement of the security forces ability to monitor the countrys Exclusive Economic Zone, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has begun a

program of collaboration with the Nigerian Navy. NIMASA's Director-General, Mr Temisan Omatseye

claimed the efforts have begun to yield results as relative peace and security has returned to the nation's coastal waters. He made the statement during a visit by the US Navys Africa Partnership

Station to the newly operational Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Lagos.9 Omatseye stated that information sharing between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy is ongoing

to ensure effective monitoring of the nation's maritime domain. All signals received on the Automated

Identification Tracking (AIS) at the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center are shared with the Nigerian Navy which also sends Data generated from its Radar at the naval dockyard, Beechcroff, to

the MRCC. He stated that the Agency now effectively monitor all Ships with functional AIS adding that those which do not have AIS or deliberately turn them off, can also be identified from the Data

generated from the Naval Radar. He disclosed that the Automated Identification System, AIS, which is manned by Naval Officers attached to the Maritime Guard Command, assists the Agency to generate

General Packet Radio Service, GPRS signals and exact position of the Ships. He also stated that the

Long Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) and the Maritime Safety Information (MSI) system would soon be integrated into the package adding that the documentation process has been concluded and

the test run would soon start. Bergen Risks Solutions assesses that the integration of such surveillance systems into a near

real-time situational awareness system will generate dividends for the security of the maritime

environment. The Navy and coast guard will have a facility that enables them to identify vessels and track their movements. This facility will greatly enable the fight against criminal activity through

facilitating accurate and discriminatory tasking of scarce assets against suspicious or illegitimate activity.

Nigerian Navy News Reports

Amaechi urges FG to relocate Navy HQ to Port Harcourt

24 Jun 2010 Daily Champion: Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi recently in Port

Harcourt called on the Federal Government to relocate the headquarters of the Nigerian Navy from

Lagos to Rivers State, describing Rivers as its natural home. The governor said despite pockets of petty criminality, which is a common feature across the world, which ... the state was safe and peaceful,

stressing, however, that the petty criminals had fled Port Harcourt, the state capital and its environs. Ameachi, who was represented by his deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, made the call in Port Harcourt,

... flayed a situation by which the navy would be asked to stay in the desert and army on the sea,

pointing out that the natural home of the navy must be areas with abundance of water, which the state exemplifies. "Rivers state is the natural home of the navy. Until you relocate properly to your home, we

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will continue to see Lagos as your temporary headquarters. In actual fact, naval headquarters must be

in Rivers state. Navy's business starts and ends with water. "Rivers state government will partner with the navy to move its headquarters to Rivers state,

which is the most appropriate place, having the highest number of creeks, tributaries, exposed to the sea more and has more than it takes for naval headquarters to be here. We are ready to support you in

this regard. "All the delegates to this event will notice that we no longer have military barricades on our

roads, which would have indicated a state of war. You no longer find gunboats in Rivers State, which has returned to its normal self," the governor explained.10 ...

Navy calls for dredging of Calabar Port to improve security

15 June 2010 - 234Next.com: The shallow water channel of the Calabar seaport is preventing bigger

vessels from sailing into the port, and also hindering the Navy from effectively policing pirates in the high seas, the Eastern Command of the Nigerian Navy has said. Benjamin Acholonu, a Rear Admiral

and flag officer commanding the Eastern Naval Command, called on the federal government to award

contract for the dredging of the Calabar River as that will enable large ships with heavy cargo get to the port.

During the regime of the late Sani Abacha, the Calabar port was dredged by a foreign company to encourage heavy vessels to sail through and facilitate economic and commercial activities at the

Calabar Export Free Trade Zone, constructed by the federal government in 1991. But the job was

poorly done forcing large ships to continue avoiding the port. According to Mr Acholonu, the Navy is having difficulties patrolling the area to check the

activities of pirates. "Some of the problems or challenges we encounter in the Calabar area are criminal activities of pirates and the low water level of the channel. The Calabar channel is not safe for

navigation. Calabar port has a sandy shore, mud and wreck along its channel. This wreck is visible during low water season," Mr. Acholonu said. "But during high water level, water covers the wreck.

This is dangerous for ships coming in. Naval ships like to manoeuvre freely, but if you have restricted

water, it is difficult for them to operate", he said. He however explained that the strategies put in place by his command has helped to keep

pirates at bay, noting that though Calabar is off the Atlantic Ocean, his men have it as a patrol beat to check oil bunkering and smuggling.

Only recently, the Eastern Naval Command arrested and paraded two men who specialise in

perforating oil pipes linking the Calabar jetty with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation tank farm at Esuk Utan, in Calabar Municipal Council to siphon petroleum products.

"More is expected from the federal government for the provision of platforms. These platforms help the navy to operate. With them, we perform to expectations and compete favourably with our

counterparts from other countries," he added.11

At 54, Navy stands sentry over Nigeria

5 Jun 2010 ThisDay (edited): The Nigerian Navy, from a very humble beginning, has today emerged as a major maritime force in the West African sub-region with 7 Staff Branches at the Naval

Headquarters, 2 Operational Commands, a Training Command and a Logistics Command. In addition, it

has the Naval Dockyard in Lagos and the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt, which are designed primarily for the local repairs and maintenance of NN ships and merchant vessels.

Tracing the history of the Nigerian Navy during the Nigerian Navy Week, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim stated that, though the Navy was originally tasked with the maritime

defence of Nigeria, at various times, it has been asked to police oil installations at sea. He said, the NN

was Established on June 1st 1956 as the Nigerian Naval Force, it was renamed the Royal Nigerian Navy in July 1959 and the Nigerian Navy (NN) in 1963 when Nigeria became a republic. The NN is

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unique among the other armed services because apart from its primary military responsibility, she is

also tasked with extensive economic responsibilities. These responsibilities, known as constabulary or policing duties, have placed the Service as a

strategic player in the national economy. For example, according to statistics from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), until the renewed intervention of the Nigerian Navy in 2003, the oil

industry was losing an average of 160,000 barrels of crude oil per day to criminal elements. This figure

has been significantly reduced, thanks to Nigerian Navys increased presence at sea. Prior to the advent of the present democratic dispensation, the Nigerian Navy had experienced

a number of challenges. These include dilapidated platforms and facilities. Today however, NN ships are beginning to ride the waves again with increasing number of ships becoming available for daily

patrol [duties]. ...

[TRAINING AND U.S. COLLABORATION]

The activities of the Nigerian Navy have consistently focused on operational readiness, training,

fleet maintenance and provision of welfare facilities, among others. This has been guided by the vision

of creating a highly professional, well trained, intrinsically motivated, optimally equipped and adequately maintained naval Service.

A well trained and highly motivated work force is said to be one of the greatest assets of any organisation. The NN is not an exception. Accordingly, considerable investment has been made in the

procurement of simulators and other training aids to assist in the effective training of personnel. For instance, a Navigation Bridge Simulator was installed at NNS QUORRA recently. It was commissioned

by the former First Lady, Hajiya Turai YarAdua on the 14th of April 2009. In addition, a modern

Olympic size swimming pool has been constructed at the Nigerian Naval College, Onne in Port Harcourt.

Training policies and programmes are also regularly reviewed in order to address the emergent challenges and the needs for relevant training of personnel. Furthermore, Cadet training in NDA is

being reviewed with the acquisition of trainers and simulators in order to better prepare them to be

more effective professionally as future commanders. With regards to capacity building, a team of NN personnel are currently onboard a United

States Ship, USS GUNSTON HALL under the auspices of the African Partnership Station (APS). It is worthy of note that the USS GUNSTON HALL, with NN personnel on board, was involved in the rescue

operation during the recent earthquake in Haiti.

[NEW EQUIPMENT & REFITTING]

In order to increase its presence in the Niger Delta, the NN took delivery of 4 17m Manta Fast Patrol

Boats. The boats have since been deployed to Bonny and Escravos for intensive patrols. The introduction of the boats has led to sustained and more effective patrol which has significantly curbed

criminality in these areas. In addition, the NN took delivery of two new 38 metre patrol vessels from

Malaysia. These new acquisitions have enhanced Nigerian Navys effort in the protection of the nations maritime environment against illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, piracy and other illegalities in

our territorial waters. The NN recently took delivery of 2 X A109 and one AB206, Augusta Helicopters and a Shaldag boat during the period under review.

The NN has also made concerted efforts at revamping its assets. To achieve this, considerable

investment of resources has been made at repositioning the Dockyard in terms of repairs and retooling of its equipment and services. This has facilitated the commencement of repairs on a number of

platforms. For instance, the docking of NNS MAKURDI, Tug MIRA and Tug RIMA was completed. NNS MAKURDI and Tug RIMA are now operational while work on Tug MIRA is in progress. NNS EKPE and

NNS EKUN are in dock for correction of propulsion shaft defects and structural works while NNS HADEJIA and NNS BRASS are undergoing refit at the Nigerian Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt and

Messrs A & C Engineering and Marine Services Yard respectively.




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[OPERATIONS]

In a bid to rid the nations territorial waters of crude oil thieves and sea robbers, the NN has continued

to comb the countrys waterways often extending its patrol to the Gulf of Guinea in search of criminals who believe they can make the entire zone a safe haven for their activities.

At the end of a recent patrol operation, about five ships and some wooden canoes alleged to

have been involved in illegal bunkering were impounded while a yet to be ascertained number of persons were also arrested. The vessels arrested are MT LEKA, MT ATLANTIC MOON, MT EFEMENA,

MT AKUADA, MT HOPE. The arrests, according to the CNS, Vice Admiral Ibrahim, are in line with the policing role of the

Navy. He explained that the ships were arrested in Bonny, Ogbe Ijoh and other creeks in the Niger

Delta. Those indicted are now being tried in various courts across the country. He said this is expected to serve as deterrent to others who might want to indulge in illegal bunkering.

At present, the Nigerian Navy conducts patrols aimed at protecting Nigerias oil and gas resources including monitoring of offshore survey and research activities. In the same vein, the NN, in

partnership with other security agencies, is assisting civil authorities in several states to conduct

internal security operations. These include Operation Restore Hope in Delta and Bayelsa States, Operation MESA in Lagos and Cross River and Operation Aduma in Akwa-Ibom.

Though some of them had been withdrawn in some states, it would forever be in history that some of those who laid down their lives for peace to reign in those areas are naval personnel. The

valuable lessons derived helped in the success of the operations to dislodge militants from camp 5 and other locations in Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State after the premeditated attack of men of the JTF

on 12 June 2009.

On the whole, the NN has continued to show its dynamism as a Service saddled with the responsibility of protecting the nations waters. At 54, it has become a vital player in the nations

economy.12

Navy gives free medicare to rural communities

1 Jun 2010 Vanguard: In continuation of activities marking the 54th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, its medical department yesterday offered free medical services to indigenes of Damangaza village in

FCT with simultaneous free treatments also offered to people in Markudi, Benue State, Port Harcourt,

Rivers State, and Lagos State. Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim said the purpose

of the free community/rhapsody medical service, was designed as a grassroots out-reach social service programme for rural communities. Represented by the Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Navy,

Rear Admiral Bodurin Raji, the CNS said the rhapsody is usually done when the Navy is having a major event like the Navy week.

The Naval Rhapsody is one medium that brings the Navy closer to our rural communities and

it is the belief of the Chief of Naval Staff that event like this is capable of stimulating the interest of the young ones to aspire for a career in the Navy.13

Navy trains Special Forces to protect Nigerias waters

26 May 2010 Punch: The leadership of the Nigerian Navy has completed the training of a special

squad to contain threats in the nations territorial waters. The Chief of Policy and Plans in the Naval Headquarters, Rear-Admiral Sylvester Umosen, said the initial training of the special forces and an

accompanying special boat session were held within and outside the country.

Umosen stated this on Tuesday while speaking to journalists on activities to mark the 54th Anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, scheduled to take place between May 28 and June 1 in Abuja. He

also said that the training programme for naval cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy was being

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reviewed to put them in a position to respond effectively to challenges in the society. He added that

while nine personnel had undergone a successful training in counter-terrorism, 70 others attended the Basic Special Infantry Course at the Infantry Corps Centre and School, Jaji, Kaduna. Umosen also said

those who graduated from the anti-terrorism course had been deployed and were making a tremendous impact in patrol activities.

He said that an additional 95 men of the Nigerian Navy underwent training under the African

Partnership Station involving the United States Navy and the navies in the Gulf of Guinea. The rear-admiral said that the collaboration between the US Navy and its counterparts in the Gulf of Guinea, was

designed to build the capacity to address the issue of threats to off shore facilities and other security challenges in the coastline.14

Ratings spit fire over Navys mass sack

15 May 2010 Sun News Online: Some personnel of the Nigerian Navy have threatened fire and

brimstone should the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim carry on with his threat of

mass retirement of personnel of a particular ethnic group in July. The affected personnel in Save Our Soul (SOS) message addressed to President Goodluck

Jonathan, and copied to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshall Paul Dike, Senate President, David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, said there will

be a revolution and bloodbath in the Navy if nothing is done to stop the Navy chief from carrying out

the mass retirement in a few weeks time. The petitioners who referred to the illegal retirement of personnel who are not ripe to leave

service going by the laws in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for members of the armed forces, described the plans of the CNS as tribalistic.

The aggrieved personnel cried foul over the decision of the CNS on the move it calls wrongful retirement of ratings of 1979 and 1980 sets from service, while those who joined the service before

them in 1977 and 1978 are still in service.

The SOS letter stated that: There is tribalism, favouritism and ethnicism in the Navy. Ratings of 1979 and 1980 sets are about to be pushed out from the Navy unjustly in July, 2010, while those of

1977 and 1978 sets are still in the Navy and are boasting that they are untouchable. While stating that they are not against retirement, they called on President Goodluck Jonathan

to prevail on the CNS to ensure that the right thing is done by ensuring that all those who are due for

retirement pull out of service and not treating a particular group as sacred cows.15

Navy arrest oil vessel with stolen crude

4 May 2010 Vanguard: The Navy authority in Warri, Delta State have arrested a Greece, Athens, owned oil vessel, MT Troaical with International Maritime Organisation, IMO registration no. 7038941

[registered name Lucia 1] with 10 crewmen carrying 83 metric tons of substance suspected to be stolen crude on their way to Cotonou, Benin Republic. The oil vessel said to belong to Golden Carrier

Shipping Services was arrested by men of the Naval Task Group (NTG) on 2 Manta Class boats from NNS Delta at the entrance of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy at Escravos Bar

May 1 and escorted to Warri the next day.

Addressing newsmen on the arrest vessel, the Commanding Officer, NNS Delta, Commodore Henry Babalola warned illegal bunkerers to desist from their nefarious act and comply with the laws of

the land or face the full wrath of the Navy. He disclosed that amongst the 10 crew member are two Ghanian nationals and eight Nigerians whose names he gave as Mr. Felix Ogogo (Captain), Nelson

Seanehia (Engr), Yakubu Otun (Bosun) and Teko Peter (Oiler). Other crew member include Messrs

Augstine Eyimofe, Tony Shube, Lucky Tonwe, Sunday Apou, Segun Agbeyegbe and Felix Mogbeyiteren respectively.

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According to the Commander, preliminary investigations and confessional statement reveals

that the said vessel MT Troaica was registered in Panama as MT Lucia 1 and that the original name MT Lucia 1 was allegedly changed to MT Scorpion in October 2000 before it was it given its current name

in 2001 in Cotonou. Speaking to Vanguard where they paraded before newsmen yesterday at the Naval Base,

Warri, Mr. Yakubu Otun said they were to head to Cotonou before they were apprehended, saying that

of the ten of them only three of them were old crew members while the rest where only recruited a day before.

The suspects are all currently being detained at the NNS Delta Naval Police Cell while the vessel has been anchored alongside other seized oil vessels like MT Akuada and MT B Excel at the old

NPA wharf in Warri. Commander H. Babalola said they would be handed over to the EFCC for further

interrogation and possible prosecution saying that they have not disclosed their sponsors.16 BRS comment: According to IHS Fairplays Sea-web, the vessel Lucia 1 sailed from Lagos on March

23 bound for Warri. History shows inactivity in Italy in 2007-08, before arriving Piraeus, Greece July 2008. Then silent until surfacing in Lagos on March 23 this year. The vessel is a 2,575 dwt tanker built

in 1971.

Work recommences at Navy FOB Escravos

1 May 2010 This Day: Flag Officer Commanding Nigerian Navy (Western Naval Command) Rear-

Admiral Ola Sahaad Ibrahim, has blamed the worrisome proliferation of small arms in the country on illegal bunkering particularly in the Niger Delta region. He however expressed happiness that the

situation has greatly improved with a sharp decline in illegal bunkering and violence in the region and commended both security agencies and ordinary concerned citizens in the Niger-Delta for the welcome

development. He also assured on the readiness of the federal government to complete the installation of

equipment at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Escravos, Warri South-West Local Government Area

of Delta State. The construction of the facility started seven years ago, but has been somewhat abandoned for a long time. Sahaads assurance is coming some seven years after work initially began

on the strategic offshore facility at Escraos; but he attributed the delay to the difficulty generally associated with construction of projects in the Niger-Delta.

The ongoing multi-billion dollar Gas-to-Liquid (EGTL) project, which is jointly owned by the

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Delta State Government, is cited at Escravos. You know how expensive it is to erect any structure in the Niger-Delta generally, the naval

chief said, adding, However, the Navy is making all efforts to ensure that the resources are put in place to make the facility (Forwarding Operating Base, FOB); so that in due course youll see the rapid

development of that place. He expressed happiness at the reduced level of criminality in the Niger-Delta, particularly illegal bunkering; and thanked the security agencies and JTF as well as well-meaning

individuals for the development.

According to the Navy Chief, the development is gratifying, because illegal bunkering and related criminal activity were at the root of light arms proliferation in the region. The FOBs were

approved for in Navy formations in the Niger-Delta to curtail the spate of militancy and vandalism of the nations oil and gas installations in the waterways and coastal areas of the Niger-Delta region.

The FOB is said to be a key infrastructure of the Navy, which would improve their ability to

respond appropriately to emergency situations in the coastal areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Ondo states as well as parts of Edo State.17

Akpabio commends Nigerian Navy

30 Apr 2010 Akwa Ibom State Electronic News Bulletin (shortened): Governor Godswill Akpabio has

commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in maintaining peace and security in Akwa Ibom State. He

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gave the commendation at the Government House, Uyo, when he received the Commanding Officer,

NNS Victory, Commodore Joseph Jatu who paid him a courtesy call. Chief Akpabio who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, noted particularly, the

efforts of the Navy in containing the insurgence of cross border criminals, without which he said, the development vision of the present administration would have been threatened.

He lauded the Forward Operations Base in Ibaka for maintaining very cordial relationship with

the civilian population in the area, since its establishment and called for sustenance of the commendable relationship.18 ...

NNPC head pledges cooperation with Navy, Total

18 April 2010 - Leadership Nigeria: The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation, (NNPC), Mallam Shehu Ladan, has promised to strengthen the relationship between the corporation and the Nigerian Navy and Total Upstream Nigeria Plc.

Ladan made this pledge in his office when he received the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice

Admiral Ishaya Ikoh Ibrahim, and the Vice President of Total Africa, Mr. Jacques Marraud-des-Grottes, who paid him a courtesy call to felicitate with him on his recent appointment as GMD.

Speaking while receiving the CNS, Ladan said the Navy is one government security agency that plays a key role in the oil and gas business and that he was privileged to have the naval chief call on

him. He said he considered the visit an offer of the Nigerian Navys support to him a la carte and

promised to co-operate with and improve the already cordial relationship between NNPC and the Navy.19

Navy intensifies security operations, says director

On 30 March the Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy, Commodore David Nabaida, said in

Lagos yesterday that the Navy had intensified internal security operations. Nabaida told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations were currently going on in coastal areas where security

threats presented themselves. The operations in question include Restore Hope in Delta and Bayelsa States, MESA in Lagos and Cross River States, FLUSH-OUT 111 in Rivers State and Operation Aduma in

Akwa-Ibom State.20

Nabaida said that in Lagos, the Nigerian Navy was in the forefront of the Federal Government Task Force set up to clear the Apapa Port access routes. He added that the NN participation in the

2009 joint operations exercise code-named "Ologun Meta" at Orioke Iwamimo in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo was commendable. In a clear call for further investment, Nabaida said

additional gesture from the government would boost the NN's operational capabilities in 2010.

With rusty ammo, Nigeria confronts pirates

30 Mar 2010 AP (shortened): The gleaming Nigerian naval patrol boat heaved across the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean in search of pirates. Beyond the crisp white hull, however, crew members

in cheap sandals manned machine guns whose ammunition had rusted in the chambers. And a computer-guided gun on the bow had no ammo at all. This is the first line of defense against growing

piracy off West Africa.

The patrol boat Burutu, which recently participated in a training exercise with the U.S. military, is part of a force that patrols Nigeria's 530 miles (853 kilometers) of coastline. But the navy appears

overmatched as attacks on shipping continue and grow more violent, and militants resume strikes on oil platforms and pipelines.

"The Western African coast, especially around Nigeria, is a high risk area for piracy," said Cyrus

Mody, a manager at the International Maritime Bureau, which tracks piracy worldwide. "It also one of the most violent places." The bureau reported 28 attacks off Nigeria during 2009 and believes at least

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another 30 pirate attacks went unreported, either due to companies worried about having higher

insurance premiums or concerns about advertising their security weaknesses, Mody said. The former British protectorate's navy includes several large ocean-cruising craft and smaller

patrol boats that can travel up the Niger River in the delta to look for those attacking oil pipelines and stealing crude oil.

The U.S. imported more than 1 million barrels of Nigerian crude oil a day in December, making

Nigeria America's third-biggest foreign source that month, so the U.S. has an interest in seeing the Nigerian navy improve. The U.S. Navy has been training naval forces of West African nations to fight

piracy, even though much of the world's attention remains focused on Somali pirates operating off East Africa.

Commodore David Nabaida, a spokesman for the Nigerian navy, said the navy will continue to

patrol off of the Niger Delta and Lagos. He said it is difficult to protect the more than 200 ships anchored in Lagos and questioned whether freighters were actually being robbed. "Maybe ships do

deals and sell their products, then say they were attacked by pirates so they can divert attention from whatever crooked deals they have done," he said. In a country permeated by corruption, it's perhaps

not unusual that the commodore harbors such suspicions.

The corruption that permeates every level of government in Nigeria may hamper the anti-piracy efforts. A retired Navy rear admiral was recently indicted for allegedly embezzling government

funds. Nigeria's elites often plunder the oil money that should be running and building up the country and some politicians even allegedly hire criminals and militants to help them rig elections. The

effectiveness of the Nigerian navy is also in question. During the recent training exercise, the Burutu was motoring near the American frigate Samuel

B. Roberts. The U.S. ship sounded a warning through its loudspeaker that the Nigerian vessel was on a

collision course. The warning continued even as the Nigerian patrol boat scraped along the side of the U.S. warship, creating an ear-piercing metallic squeal. One U.S. sailor cursed and threw a blue hard hat

at the Nigerian sailors, who merely stared.21

Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency

NIMASA issues biometric identity card to dockworkers

23 Mar 2010 NIMASA (edited): The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

has commenced the issuance of biometric identity cards with security features to all dockworkers registered by the agency. This exercise is to ensure that only authorized dockworkers gain access to

the national seaports, terminal and private jetties. The Director General of the Agency, Mr. Temisan Omatseye urged terminal and jetty operators

to register dockworkers on their payroll with the agency in order to forestall work stoppage. We at NIMASA are committed to improving the wellbeing of Dockworkers in Nigeria. This registration will

provide accurate data for putting in place a pension scheme for dockworkers in Nigeria, he said.

Mr Omatseye also noted that the ID card scheme will determine the total number of dockworkers engaged at the nations sea ports, their employers and location in compliance in the

International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. In his words The ports and terminals are key to the nations economy as most exports and imports to and from Nigeria are carried out in these ports.

Therefore, the maintenance of peace and security in all Nigerian sea ports and terminals cannot be

over emphasized. In a goodwill message on behalf of the Association of Terminal and Jetties Operators of

Nigeria, Dr. Ojo Ikokide of Apapa Bulk Terminal, commended NIMASA for putting in place the ID card scheme. He noted that proper identification for dockworkers was essential for effective security. The

President of the dockworkers branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN) Comrade Adeyanju Adewale also commended NIMASA for turning the fortunes of dockworkers around for the

21 http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=10239739

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=10239739




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better. Since this management came, things have been getting better for us. You started with training

of dockworkers, which has been going on smoothly, now its proper identification of our members. All these efforts will go a long way in ensuring the harmonious work environment in the nations ports,

jetties and terminals. The exercise will be continuous and will cover all ports, terminals and private jetties in Nigeria.

At the conclusion of the exercise, dockworkers not registered and issued identity cards by the agency

will be denied access to any work areas at the ports.22

AFRICOM

US says Africom headquarters to stay in Germany

21 May 10 Expatica: The United States is no longer considering moving the US military' command for Africa (Africom) from Germany to the African continent, a senior US official said Thursday. "We are

here indefinitely. Not only are there no plans to relocate, but there are no plans to study the possibility

to relocate," said Anthony Holmes, the civilian deputy to the Africom chief, General William Ward. "It's very unlikely, and I believe that if we ever move from Stuttgart, it's likely to go to the United States,"

he added. "But, of course, the next administration can come in and have a different approach." Africom was created in 2007 and headquartered in the German city of Stuttgart, which is also where

the US military's European command is based, after some speculation that Africom could be based in Africa itself. Holmes said that the United States had made initial enquiries about basing the command

in Africa, but then opted for Germany amid fears in many African nations that the US was looking to

establish a foothold on the continent.23

AFRICOM deploys anthropologists, sociologists to africa

17 May 2010 Modern Ghana: After using anthropologists and sociologists in Iraq and Afghanistan to gain a better understanding of socio-cultural factors important to the U.S. military's presence in the

region, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) intends to use the same strategy in regions of rural Africa. The Socio-Cultural Research and Advisory (SCRAT) teams will speak local languages and keep a

modest, professional presence in the regions. Some social scientists have raised concerns about ethical

violations and working under informed consent, but the military has affirmed its commitment to respecting ethical and professional standards.24

Military exercises with US begin in West Africa

3 May 3 2010 AFP: Military exercises bringing together armed forces from Africa and Europe under

US supervision began in Burkina Faso on Monday, aimed at reinforcing the continent's fight against extremist groups. The exercises "will facilitate regional cooperation on security and the fight against

terrorist organisations," Anthony Holmes, deputy commander of civilian-military activities for Africom,

the US military command for Africa, said in Ouagadougou. The exercises will run in the Sahel-Saharan region and neighbouring countries of West Africa

until May 22. The Sahel-Saharan area has been a base for several years for Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), which has seized Western hostages. It is also a zone plagued with drugs and human

trafficking. About 1,200 soldiers will take part in the exercises, including 600 US Special Forces, and some

400 African and 150 European troops. Besides the hosts, the other African countries participating in the

operation include Algeria, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Chad and Tunisia, with European contingents from Belgium, Spain, France, Britain and the Netherland.25

22 http://nimasa.gov.ng/press2.php?id=73 23 http://www.expatica.com/de/news/german-news/us-says-africom-headquarters-to-stay-in-germany_69623.html 24 http://www.modernghana.com/news/276705/1/africom-deploys-anthropologists-sociologists-to-af.html 25 http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/article431444.ece/Military-exercises-with-US-begin-in-West-Africa

http://nimasa.gov.ng/press2.php?id=73http://www.expatica.com/de/news/german-news/us-says-africom-headquarters-to-stay-in-germany_69623.htmlhttp://www.modernghana.com/news/276705/1/africom-deploys-anthropologists-sociologists-to-af.htmlhttp://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/article431444.ece/Military-exercises-with-US-begin-in-West-Africa




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U.S., Nigeria pledge greater cooperation

8 Apr 2010 Africom: The United States and Nigeria have launched an initiative aimed at fostering greater cooperation between the two nations and assisting in governance, regional cooperation and

development, energy, and food security and agricultural development. "Today, we are taking a concrete step forward that will strengthen and deepen the partnership

between our two nations," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at a joint press conference with Nigerian Secretary to the Government of the Federation Yayale Ahmed in Washington April 6,

2010. "And we hope it will support the aspirations of the Nigerian people for a peaceful, prosperous,

stable, democratic future." The U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) initiative was signed by Clinton and Ahmed in

Washington April 6. The United States establishes binational commissions with strategic partners as collaborative forums aimed at tangible and measurable progress on issues considered critical to shared

goals, the State Department says. "Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation, its largest contributor of

peacekeepers, a significant trading partner of the United States, its largest producer of oil, and the largest recipient of direct investment by the American private sector in sub-Saharan Africa," Clinton said

during the briefing. Clinton outlined four areas where working groups established under the initiative will focus:

Good governance and transparency -- considered essential to Nigeria's democracy and its prosperity.

Regional cooperation and development -- to improve conditions in the oil-rich Niger Delta region with a specific emphasis on broad collaboration on security and counterterrorism.

Energy reform and investment -- while Nigeria has abundant oil, natural gas and other natural resources, it lacks an effective electrical system to support the growing demands of the nation.

Food security and agricultural development -- a program to provide Nigerian farmers with

modern tools and methods of farming to feed the nation and to lift rural families out of poverty.

Secretary Ahmed thanked the United States for its support, but also stressed that Nigeria,

which has undergone a period of uncertainty due to the extended absence of President Umaru

Yar'Adua because of a prolonged illness, is a strong democracy committed to progress for its people. "It is very important to us at this point of our history, when we are able, to show as a nation that we

are capable of survival," Ahmed said at the joint press conference. "You have highlighted some of the challenges that we face, but we believe they are not insurmountable because we are open to criticism."

Clinton said Nigeria soon will celebrate 50 years of independence and will hold an election in 2011. "Nigeria, like many countries, must look to the future, and how to create conditions that will

protect the gains that independence brought [and] guard against ongoing and serious threats to its

progress," she said.

BINATIONAL COMMISSION

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Robin Rene Sanders told reporters at a Washington Foreign Press

Center briefing April 7 that the binational commission serves to strengthen democratic institutions essential to Nigeria's election in 2011, and to addressing energy insufficiencies, as well as food security

and development in the Niger Delta. "We will also support Nigeria's efforts to strengthen its democracy, civil society and fight corruption," Sanders said.

Nigerian Ambassador to the United States Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, speaking at the same briefing, said this commission and the four major areas it addresses coincide with Nigeria's Vision 20-

2020. The 20-2020 initiative is a drive to become one of the 20 most industrialized and advanced

nations in the world by 2020, Adefuye said. "By signing the BNC agreement, the United States government has demonstrated its genuine concern with aspirations of Nigerians at every level, both in




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the public and the private sector," Adefuye said. "We are joint partners in the search for global peace

and security."26

Other News Reports

Taskforce uncovers irregularities at Lagos ports

11 June 2010 Leadership: The ministerial task force that was recently inaugurated by the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, says it has uncovered large scale irregularities, especially in the

collection of unauthorised charges in all the terminals that it has visited. The 7-member task force

maritime security in nigeria - nimasa e-library - the … security in nigeria quarterly review no....

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