Contrary to widely held belief that the relative peace being enjoyed on Lagos waters is as a result of the sole efforts of the Nigerian Navy, indications have emerged that the Navy is in partnership with foreign security firms.
Called Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) offshore Lagos, it is a collaborative project between the Nigerian Navy, Ocean Marine Security (the largest Private Maritime Security Company operating in West Africa) and technical advisors, UK based maritime security specialists, PGS Group.
Contrary to widely held belief that the relative peace being enjoyed on Lagos waters is as a result of the sole efforts of the Nigerian Navy, indications have emerged that the Navy is in partnership with foreign security firms.
Called Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) offshore Lagos, it is a collaborative project between the Nigerian Navy, Ocean Marine Security (the largest Private Maritime Security Company operating in West Africa) and technical advisors, UK based maritime security specialists, PGS Group.
Shipping Position Daily gathered that The Lagos SAA is located 10 nautical miles southwest from the entrance to Lagos Port Channel and provides round-the clock armed protection for vessels wishing to anchor safely or who are waiting to berth within the Port.
Security sources told our correspondent that the Lagos SAA also monitors Ship to Ship (STS )operations in the adjacent NPA designated STS zone.
“Offshore Lagos, the Nigerian Navy do not support the use of armed guards onboard commercial vessels and the Nigerian Marine Police have no jurisdiction outside of the inland waterways, ports and harbours”.
It added further that the “Nigerian Navy Patrol Boats armed with deck mounted weapon systems and logistically supported by Ocean Marine Security, enforce a 2 nautical mile Maritime Exclusion Zone (MEZ) around the SAA, and provide protection to all vessels anchored within”.
The Lagos based SAA Tactical Operations Centre coordinates all security activity within the SAA and is manned 24/7 by PGS Group technical advisors, who are all former UK Special Forces and Royal Marines.
When contacted for clarification, the spokesperson for the Western Naval Command, Lt Olabisi Wey denied knowledge of the arrangement. He urged our correspondent to contact higher authourities at NNS Quora
Discussion about this post