The Nigerian Navy says there has been drastic reduction in maritime crimes especially illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and piracy which hitherto had been very high in the nation’s waters. This cheering news was broken Friday night in Warri by the country’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I.E Ibas on the occasion of the Nigerian annual Navy Ball in the Delta area.
That was the high point of the Nigerian Navy Ball otherwise known as Sun Set in military circles that is seen generally as the time of the day when the sun disappears below the Western horizon.
The lowering of the flag late Friday evening in Warri marks the official but ceremonial end of annual activities of the Nigerian Navy in the Delta area.
It is merely ceremonial because, as TVC News was told off camera, routine patrols of the waterways for surveillance to forestall attacks on oil installations will continue into the new year.
The Flag Officer Commanding FOC Logistics Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral B.E.E Ibewo represented the Chief of Naval Staff at the solemn occasion.
Admiral Ibewo who was also the most senior officer at the occasion seized the opportunity to highlight the achievements of the force in Delta area in the last one year.
The Special guest of honour and former governor of Bayelsa State, Nestor Binabo in his brief remarks commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in providing security in the Niger Delta region.
He appealed to all communities in the region to cooperate with the military, particularity the Nigerian Navy to protect the nation’s oil infrastructure in the overall interest of the citizens.
The Nigerian Navy Ball was attended by the cream da La cream of both serving and retired officers of the Nigerian Navy in the Niger Delta region, and it was a good opportunity for all of them to unwind.
