Navy affirms protection of Nigerian waterways

By Foster Obi
Motoring/Maritime Editor
The Nigerian Navy has reiterated commitment to protecting the waterways from criminal activities.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, made the pledge while inaugurating a project tagged, “Falcon Eye” (Over the Horizon Maritime Surveillance from Detection to Interception), at Naval Headquarters Abuja.
He enthused that it would reduce the cost of patrols and allow accurate maritime surveillance.
“When you have troops patrolling without focus, we can sit back at Naval Headquarters in Abuja and identify some vessels of interests and investigate them.
“This way, our operations become easier, efficient and very effective,” Ete-Ibas said.
When completed, the equipment will also enable Naval personnel to see beyond the horizon and make it easier and more effective for them to carry out tasks.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, praised the Navy for coming out with such a brilliant idea, and urged it to continue with the good work.
He expressed confidence that the project would help reduce criminal activities in Nigeria’s waterways.
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director General, Dakuku Peterside, described the project as a positive development that would enable the Navy keep its eye on its job.
“It will make the Navy to be more aware of the activities in the maritime domain. The equipment will help in the area of detection of criminal activities, interception of criminals and record keeping,” he said.
Peterside added that the equipment would also enable the Navy tackle piracy and other criminal activities.
“It is indeed a wonderful development; I am quite impressed with what I saw today, I am also in touch with my Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), counterparts, and we agree that the equipment is strategic to our plans.”