The Nigerian Navy has  warned criminal elements operating along the nation’s waterways to stay clear, pledging to intensify efforts to curb smuggling, stowaways, and other forms of maritime crime.

Speaking shortly after assuming command of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, the new Commander, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, declared that security agencies were fully aware of the tactics and routes used by criminals and would no longer tolerate illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He disclosed that intelligence reports had identified persistent smuggling operations originating from neighbouring countries, particularly through the Benin Republic corridor. He also pointed to rising cases of stowaways and illegal movements within five to seven nautical miles of the Lagos Fairway Buoy and surrounding waters.

“Going forward, we intend to curb all such incidences. Those planning anything illegal should rethink. If they refuse to desist, we will strategise and execute our core mandate,” Adams-Aliu warned.

Outlining his priorities, the new Commander pledged to align his leadership with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at building a mobile, agile and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies.

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He stated that his mission was to reposition NNS Beecroft to effectively fulfil its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s vast maritime space.

“From the territorial waters to the Exclusive Economic Zone, this is where most of Nigeria’s economic activities take place. Unfortunately, it is also where maritime crimes occur. While my predecessor achieved significant successes in curbing these crimes, we will take it a notch higher,” he said.