Navy Destroys 150 Illegal Refineries In Seven Months

Navy 

Through its swamp buggy operations, the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar, in the last seven months, has destroyed over 150 illegal refineries, in his area of operation which covers Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers State.


Rear Admiral, Mathew Emuekpere, the outgone Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Command, revealed this, while handing over to his successor, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, in Calabar on Tuesday.



He also disclosed within the period through their anti-smuggling operations, the Command had seized 13, 803 bags of imported rice valued at the sum of over N220 million at N16, 000 per bag among several other contrabands.

He stated that it anti-smuggling effort of the command was out to enhance the efforts of the Federal government to improve the economy and enhancing the activities of local farmers.

Emuekpere stated that over 90 suspects have been arrested with their vessels and barges for various martime crimes since he took charge of the Command in January this year.

He appreciated the Navy personnel and other sister security agencies and paramilitary organziations and civilans that contributed to the successes recorded during his stay as the FOC of the Command and urged that the same support be extended to his successor.



He also expressed President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas, for the rear privileged to serve as the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command in the past seven months.

Rear Admiral David Adeniran, the new FOC, assured that all ongoing project will be completed during his tenure.

He urged all Navy personnel to support him and promised to work with other security agencies to check criminality.

“Our purpose is to fight all forms of illegalities and ensure that our maritime environment is safe for legal business. We cannot do it alone but would collaborate with other security agencies. We also urge our host communities to help us succeed, so we can also assist them in any way we can. We would work with all stakeholders for the benefit of all. We encourage those involved in illegalities to change and work for a better Nigeria,” the new FOC said.