Rear Admiral Bala Hassan, the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, has called on Nigerian Navy personnel to maintain a proactive stance against piracy and other maritime crimes to secure Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony marking the end of his tenure, Admiral Hassan lauded the Command’s achievements in countering illegal activities along the country’s western maritime corridor.
During his tenure, Admiral Hassan spearheaded several high-profile operations, which he cited as instrumental in reducing piracy, illegal oil bunkering, and drug trafficking. “We have made significant progress over the past year, and these gains must be sustained to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders,” he stated. Among notable operations, he highlighted the interception of vessels such as MT VINNALARIS 1, MT SAISNIL 2, and MT SWEET MIRI, all of which were involved in crude oil theft. The Command also seized over a tonne of cannabis, valued at ₦2 billion, and over 2,000 bags of smuggled foreign rice, which were later handed over to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
Hassan praised the achievements of Operation AWATSE, a joint task force focused on combating pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities. This operation led to the reopening of the previously closed Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Lagos, a critical infrastructure project halted by persistent criminal activity. “These operations have greatly reduced criminal activities in Lagos and surrounding areas, restoring a sense of security in our waters. In the last 12 months, there has not been a single reported incident of piracy or sea robbery,” he affirmed.
In addition to anti-crime measures, the Western Naval Command participated in various search and rescue (SAR) operations, resulting in the rescue of over 32 stowaways and individuals affected by maritime incidents. Hassan emphasized the Command’s ongoing alignment with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s vision, as encapsulated in the 2023 Strategic Directive 6. Under this directive, the Command hosted major events including EX GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2023, NN WEEK 2024, EX CROCODILE LIFT, and OP SAFE DOMAIN III, and joined the multinational exercise EX OBANGAME EXPRESS 2024.
These international exercises in the Gulf of Guinea aim to strengthen collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint operations with navies and coast guards from other countries. “These partnerships are essential for combating criminal networks in the region and ensuring security for Nigeria’s maritime borders,” Hassan noted, stressing the importance of continued cooperation in deterring crime across the Gulf of Guinea.
As he steps down, Rear Admiral Hassan expressed gratitude to his team and to the Nigerian Navy for their support throughout his command. He encouraged personnel to maintain their dedication and uphold the progress made thus far, emphasizing that “the fight against maritime crime is ongoing, and the gains we’ve made are a testament to the resilience of our officers and the value of sustained vigilance.”
The leadership of the Western Naval Command now transitions to his successor, to whom Admiral Hassan extended his full confidence, urging continued commitment to Nigeria’s maritime security and integrity.
 of the Western Naval Command, has called on Nigerian Navy personnel to maintain a proactive stance against piracy and other maritime crimes to secure Nigeria’s waterways.){kind=link}