Ogalla vows to end oil theft, demands special courts for maritime crimes

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, yesterday, vowed to eradicate oil theft in the country to increase the contribution of maritime to the blue economy.

Ogalla, who said oil theft had been dealt with, however, stated that the Navy would leave no stone unturned to eradicate the scourge.He also called for the establishment of special courts dedicated to maritime crimes, pointing out that such would lead to more effective and efficient justice delivery and curb and eradicate insecurity.

The naval chief made the calls while delivering the third distinguished personality lecture of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies   (IPSS), University of Ibadan.

The lecture, which had the theme: “Role of the Nigerian Navy in Combating Maritime Crimes and Advancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, took place at Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, UI, Ibadan.

Ogalla said: “The proposed way forward to checking maritime crimes for enhanced blue economy in Nigeria includes designation of special courts for maritime crimes, advocacy campaigns for community support, and socio-economic prevention strategies.

“Establishing special courts dedicated to maritime crimes, would lead to more effective and efficient justice delivery, ultimately resulting in better outcomes for law enforcement.”

He also disclosed that there has been no piracy in Nigeria since 2023.

“I am glad to inform this audience that there was a piracy incident in Nigerian waters in 2023, and between January and August 2024, there has equally been no incident recorded.

“There are still incidents of passenger boats being attacked by hoodlums within the Niger Delta area and the Navy is not relenting to curb these criminalities.”

Present were Prof. Olawale Albert, Dr. Adeniran Aluko, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, former Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo, Prof. Osisioma  Nwolise, and others.

In his remarks, the Senate Committee Chairman of the Nigerian Navy, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was the chairman of the occasion and was represented by Gen. Olumuyiwa Okunnowo, urged security agents to commit themselves to the survival of the country.

Daniel and other scholars who spoke, called for inter-agency collaboration to deal with security challenges in the country.
The Director of IPSS, Prof. Ruth Moses-Adio said maritime security was central to the diversification agenda of the current administration.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba,  represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who lauded the organiser of the programme.