Following the significant decline in piracy attacks in Nigerian waters put at 77 per cent occasioned by the Nigerian Navy's increased counter security operations against Maritime criminality, oil theft and other attacks, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has exited Nigeria from its Piracy List.
This feat was made known on Tuesday night by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo at the closing ceremony of the 2022 CNS Retreat with PSOs, FOCs and Commanders of Formations in Abuja.
While vowing to "sustain the tempo of our Maritime Security Operations efforts", the CNS said, "same will be extended to our neighbouring states to rid the entire Gulf of Guinea of acts of piracy and other criminal activities.
This is just as the Naval Chief warned Commanders, "that severe sanctions would be imposed for any act of indiscipline, fraud or connivance with criminal elements in the performance of your duties" adding. "You should be ready to solely bear the brunt of any misconduct from you or your men.
Vice Admiral Gambo said, "As you are all aware, the NN is the cardinal institution in the maritime sector that has the responsibility to lead the national response and prosecution of maritime threats. I make bold to say that the NN made giant strides in ensuring the security of the nation's maritime environment.
"It is heartwarming to note the significant decline in piracy attacks by 77 per cent on Nigerian waters as reflected in the International Maritime Bureau (IBM) Third Quarter 2021 report.
"I am glad to notify you that the latest IMB report (just last week) shows that Nigeria has exited the IMB Piracy List. However, considering the NN's lead role in the regional effort at combating piracy and armed attack against shipping, the Service will not relent.
"Also, the NN's effort at containing piracy in the nation's maritime domain has earned us commendation by the Office of the National Security Adviser on behalf of the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria. ■
Under an intense surge of arctic air, Friday morning will begin with the coldest temperatures so far this season across much of the central and eastern U.S. with blustery conditions and a piercing wind chill.