The Western Naval Command has launched the “OPERATION WATER GUARD” as part of its’ resolution to reduce and combat piracy, oil theft and other illegal activities that are anti- operational to the maritime space and security, to the barest minimum.
The inauguration of the strategic operation which was launched and led by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan earlier today, is a testimony to the timely intervention and real time response to threats that plague the maritime environment, especially within the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to the Benin Republic.
The Operation Water Guard (OP WG) is an initiative of the Nigerian Navy’s mandate aimed at aligning safety of the nation’s maritime environment.
Also, the Nigerian Navy has arrested some contraband goods particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), drugs and foreign parboiled rice estimated to be worth millions of Naira. These seized products could have affected the availability to Nigerian citizens and also affect the chain of trade for small and medium scale businesses.
The drugs could have also affected adversely, the mental and physical well being of citizens if they had been pushed into circulation. These are some of the menace that have enhanced the need to eradicate such economic crimes from the maritime space through Operation Water Guard.
The scope of the operation covers deployment of ships, boats, quad bikes and air assets to showcase the Nigerian Navy’s ability to safe guard the maritime space in the Gulf of Guinea. Other features of the operation will include interdiction, beach patrols, VBSS, cordon and search. Their presence will also deter and eliminate other maritime crimes.
Rear Admiral MB Hassan at the flag of, stated that the operation would further ensure the nation’s maritime domain would be conducive and safe during the yuletide period and beyond. He further mentioned that the operation would not add to already established checkpoints along the road axis but intelligence led checks would complement their sustained presence at sea.
He also asked for the collaboration of communities around the area.
Intelligence reports have already revealed perpetrators hideouts and showcase of videos and images of jerrycans used to store petroleum products in their houses as hazardous and posing economic sabotage and physical danger to the people’s lives and property.
Operation Water Guard is a true testament and indicator of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to be resolute to the protection and safety of the nation’s maritime domain under the leadership of the Chief Of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s waters and ensure the highest safety of the maritime environment.
