The Nigerian Navy has assured that it was ready to flush out criminals who terrorise the nation’s territorial waters by commencing a joint sea exercise “code named Exercise FARAUTA.
Naval authourities confirmed that the exercise would last till November 17.
Speaking to newsmen at the commencement of the exercise, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor, the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, said the exercise was for the navy to evaluate its ships to ensure its combat readiness to safeguard the waters.
The Nigerian Navy has assured that it was ready to flush out criminals who terrorise the nation’s territorial waters by commencing a joint sea exercise “code named Exercise FARAUTA.
Naval authourities confirmed that the exercise would last till November 17.
Speaking to newsmen at the commencement of the exercise, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor, the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, said the exercise was for the navy to evaluate its ships to ensure its combat readiness to safeguard the waters.
He said that during the exercise, task unit commanders were expected to carry out manoeuvres, search, board and intercept suspicious vessels.
“The aim is to carry out President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive to ensure that the nation’s waters are safe to curb illegal activities in the sea like crude oil theft, piracy and illegal bunkering.
“The chief of naval staff has just assumed office and he want to see how the ships can perform,’’ he said.
A total of eight ships, six gun boats, and three helicopters will take part in the exercise, with the vessels drawn from three operational commands of the navy.
The exercise, which will focus on the Bonny-Akassa-Escravos axis, is expected to carry out fleet evaluation of platforms of the navy with a view to identifying gaps and taking necessary measures to ensure the operational readiness of the service.
In his comments, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Commander Sector 2 of Joint Task Force, said the army was participating in the exercise to assist the navy in case of any emergency.
Air Commodore Joseph Adeleke, Command Operations Officer, Mobility Command of the Air Force, said the service would carry surveillance and give the navy feedback.
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