The Nigerian Navy has flagged off ‘Operation Water Guard’ (OP WG) to combat smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities along the Western waters.
Flagging off the operation in the Badagry area of Lagos yesterday, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, says the initiative is in response to the escalating maritime threats in the creeks and on waterways in Lagos and Ogun states.
Admiral Hassan explained that the operation is a strategic initiative which aligns with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment, adding that the operation specifically targeted the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to Benin Republic.
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The operation involves the deployment of ships, boats, quad bikes and air assets, and includes interdiction, beach patrols, VBSS, cordon and search. It will also involve sustained presence to checkmate other fcrimes.
The Flag Officer further said the Nigerian Navy will ensure the nation’s maritime domain is conducive during the yuletide period and beyond. He also solicited the support of communities, noting that the operation would not add to already established checkpoints along the road, but would be an intelligence-led check which he said would complement the sustained presence at sea.
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