Western Naval Command, led by Rear Admiral M. B Hassan, yesterday, inaugurated “Operation Water Guard” (OP WG) in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
The Guardian learnt the launch was in response to escalating threats to maritime.
According to Rear Admiral M. B Hassan, who flagged off the operation, it is a strategic initiative aligned with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“The operation targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community with Benin Republic.
“The Nigerian Navy has seized contraband goods particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), drugs and foreign parboiled rice worth billions of naira.
“These could have affected availability of petroleum products as well as jeopardised efforts of small and medium scale enterprises.
“The drugs, in particular, could have further affected health and stability of 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,” he said.
The commanding officer stated that the operation would further ensure the nation’s maritime domain would be conducive during the Yuletide period and beyond and solicited for support, especially from the communities.
He said the operation would not add to already established check points along the road but intelligence led checks would complement the sustained presence at sea.
He said: “Pertinently, intelligence facilities deployed by Navy has 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 life and property, 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 Emmanuel Ogalla, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to protect the nation’s waters and ensure a safer maritime environment.”
