CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND

BRIEF HISTORY OF CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND           

INTRODUCTION

1. The CNC Area of Responsibility (AOR) covers from the area before river Benin entrance at Longitude 005⁰ 00’ E to Santa Barbara River entrance at Longitude 006⁰ 30’E spanning a coastal distance of about 156nm and maritime space of 31,200sqnm. The landward AOR covers 7 states which includes Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Niger states. Pertinent to note that the NNO establishing NOP Shagunu was recently promulgated but activities are yet to commence in the Unit. This Area is a hub of commercial activities and host to several oil rigs/platforms which sometimes attracts criminal elements whose illegal activities continue to negatively impact the nation’s economy. In a bid to checkmate all forms of illegalities in the Command’s AOR, CNC has continued to vigorously adopt measures to adequately secure its AOR. Effective use of maritime domain awareness capabilities and proper adoption of the choke point regime coupled with rigorous patrol of the maritime and land space was largely led to curbing of criminality and insurgent within the Command’s AOR.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND

2. The establishment of CNC was approved by the Navy Board vide NNO 05/12 dated 7 Feb 12 with its headquarters at Brass, Bayelsa State. However, being a new Command without offices or structures on ground in Brass, the Command commenced operations at a temporary site in Yenagoa co-located with the HQ JTF Op PULO SHIELD on 19 Mar 12. Nevertheless, for reasons expressed vide NNO 10/12/dated 22 Nov 12, it was approved that the HQ CNC be located in Yenagoa vide NNO 04/13 dated 5 Mar 13, hence its present location at Camp Porbeni.

3. The Command’s AOR as earlier mentioned extends from the area before Benin River entrance at Longitude 005⁰ 00’ E to Santa Barbara River entrance at Longitude 006⁰ 30’E covering a coastal distance of about 156nm. The coastal states covered by the Command are Bayelsa and Delta States, while the inland states are Anambra, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kogi and Niger States. Pertinent to note that the NNO that promulgated the Naval Outpost SHAGUNU located in Niger state was signed by the CNS on 17 Mar 23. Hence efforts are ongoing to fully operationalise this Base.

FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND

4. The functions of the CNC as set out in NNO 05/12 are as follows:
5. Traditional naval duties at sea.
6. Employment and deployment of vessels, personnel and material to effectively police and protect the numerous rigs, platforms, oil installations, creeks and adjoining rivers in its AOR.
7. Integrate and employ ground, maritime, air and special operations forces to maintain control of inland waterways, adjoining rivers, coastal waters and the high sea.
8. Detect, intercept and interdict hostile actions or acts that tend to undermine the security of Nigeria in its AOR.
9. Respond in aid to civil authority in terms of IS operations, humanitarian relief and Search and Rescue (SAR) amongst others.
10. Conduct exercises and on-the-job-training of personnel towards the attainment of desirable operational efficiency.
11. Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by Appropriate Superior Authorities.
12. In order to effectively carry out the outlined functions, various Units are established under the Command. These Units consist of the Central Fleet of the 11 ships, NNS DELTA, NNS LUGARD, NNS SOROH, Naval Base Oguta, FOB Escravos, FOB Formoso, NNH Warri and NAS Effurun. Others are NOP Idah, NOP Koluama II, NOP Onitsha, NNSS Okura and Barracks Maintenance Unit (BMU) Warri. Additionally, NOP Shagunu was recently established. These Units would be discussed subsequently.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND

6. The organization of the CNC is a multi-layered structure consisting of the Command HQ, the Fleet HQ, Type A Bases, FOBs, Naval Outposts, Naval Air Base and other Support Units such as Barrack Maintenance Units, Hospitals and Schools. All the Units are responsible to the FOC through a well structured reporting channel for effective administration and operations.

7. Command Headquarters. At the apex of the Command Headquarters is the FOC CEN under whom are the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) and other Principal Staff Officers (PSOs). The PSOs include the Command Administration Officer (CAO), Command Operations Officer (COO), Command Transformation Officer (C’TRANS), Command Communication and Information Technology Officer (CCITO), Command Technical Officer (CTO), Command Information Officer (CINFO), Command Intelligence Officer (CINTO), Command Logistics Officer (CLO), Command Accounts and Budget Officer (CABO) and Command Project Officer (C’PROJ). Others are Command Provost Marshal (CPM), Command Education Officer (CEDO), Command Medical Officer (CMO), Command Sports Officer (C’SPORTS) and Command Legal Officer (C’LEGAL).
8. Central Fleet. The Central Fleet is made up of the Headquarters Central Fleet (HQ CF) co-located with the HQ CNC the ships of the fleet are berthed at NPA New Port Jetty Warri and FOT Onne in Port Harcourt. The Fleet Commander exercises operational control and is responsible to the FOC CEN for the operations and day-to-day administration of the Fleet. The capital ships in the Command are NNS NWAMBA, NNS OBULA, NNS ZARIA, NNS IBENO, NNS SAGBAMA and NNS DORINA. The Command has other boats which are attached to the various bases. Details of the boats in the Command would be discussed under the various Bases and outposts. However, the summary of current operational state of the ships/boats under the Command are as follows:

1. NNS NWAMBA. NNS NWAMBA has sustained most of its operations around major oil fields in the CNC AOR. These include Agbami, Agbara, Sea Eagle, Bonga, Escravos, and Penington Oil Terminals.

16. NNS OBULA. NNS OBULA is one of the 2 Cat Class Auxiliary multi-role vessels deployed within CNC AOR and currently berthed at FOT Jetty Onne. The ship is operational and has participated in several maritime security patrol and exercises such as Ex SECURE WATERS, Ex BENI-KEKERE, Ex GRAND AFRICAN NEMO, and Ex QUIET WATERS. Presently, NNS OBULA is Task Element (TE 16.2.1.2) in the ongoing OP TSARE TEKU V.

2015. NNS SAGBAMA. NNS SAGBAMA is a 46-meter River Town Class FPB commissioned into the Service on 19 Feb 2015. The ship has participated in several maritime security duties and maritime exercises within the CNC AOR.

9. NNS ZARIA.        NNS ZARIA is a 38m Sea Eagle FPC commissioned into the NN fleet on 14 Apr 09. The ship has been deployed to patrol the CNC AOR at different occasions. The ship has been alongside since 13 Jul 21 due to the defective stbd gearbox and corroded decks and hull. However, she was docked for essential defects at Niger Benue Transport Company (NBTC) Warri and left the dock for NPA Jetty on 23 Dec 22. It is worthy to mention that the ship’s machineries and auxiliaries performed fairly well during the sea trip and she returned from sea on 30 Jun 23.
10. NNS DORINA. NNS DORINA is a 32m Hydro jet-propelled Fast Patrol Boat (FPB) commissioned into the NN Fleet on 24 Apr 14. The ship is operational and usually deployed for patrols and exercises within CNC AOR, particularly Forcados Oil Terminal Benin River Entrance and Escravos anchorage among others. The ship has also participated in maritime exercises such as BENI KEKERE, GRAND AFRICAN NEMO, and QUIET WATERS all in 2021.
11. NNS OKPOKU. NNS OKPOKU (P175), is one of the 3 FPB 72 MKII OCEA Boats which were commissioned into the NN on 11 Feb 13. The boat is operational and has been deployed for numerous maritime security operations and exercises within CNC AOR.
12. NNS BOMADI. NNS BOMADI (P176) is a sister ship to NNS OKPOKU which was equally commissioned on 11 Feb 13. The boat is operational and has continued to be deployed for patrols in the CNC AOR. It is presently participating in the ongoing Ops DELTA SANITY.
13. NNS BADAGRY. NNS BADAGRY is a sister ship to NNS OKPOKU and BOMADI. The ship was commissioned into the NN on 11 Feb 13. The boat is operational. The vessel has been involved in numerous maritime security operations and exercises within the CNC AOO as a stop gap between the capital ships
14. NNS IKOT ABASI. NNS IKOT ABASI is one of the SHALDAG MKII Class Boat built by the Israeli Shipyard Company. The boat was commissioned into the NN in October 2012. The boat is not operational and was moved to NNS BEECROFT Jetty Lagos in preparation to dock for essential defect (DED). Consequently, the boat was docked at the NDL between 12
    May – 26 Nov 21. Suffice to state that the Hydro-jet engine buckets and other auxiliaries have been serviced and repairs are ongoing at NNS BEECROFT Jetty. Presently, effort is ongoing to rectify the leakages observed on the port hydro-jet hydraulic line and the water ingress in the port hydro jet jacuzzi. The Boat is currently under the WNC administratively and operationally.
15. NNS DELTA. NNS DELTA is a Type A Operations Base and was commissioned on 9 May 86 as NNS UMALOKUN and renamed NNS DELTA in   May 2003. The Base’s Area of Operation (AOO) has a coastline of about 156nm        and 31,200sqnm with over 120 adjoining rivers and creeks covering the entire Delta State and parts of Edo, Bayelsa and Ondo States. The general security situation across NNS DELTA AOO has remained relatively calm and peaceful due to the sustained security presence of the Base in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in own AOO. The operations of NNS DELTA are targeted at anti-illegal bunkering, anti-sea robbery, anti-crude oil theft (COT), destruction of illegal refineries and curbing militant groups as well as pipeline vandalism. To carry out these operations, the Base deploys gunboats and personnel to various locations in order to maintain peace and order within the Base AOO. The Base also deploys personnel for OPS DELTA HAWK, Internal Security operations, onboard PMLSC, NNPC Vessels and Oil Rig. Additionally, the Base administers 2 Naval Security Stations within own AOO.
16. NNS LUGARD. NNS LUGARD is located in Lokoja, Kogi State and was established as a Type A Base to provide maritime security within Rivers Benue and Niger following increased economic activities. The objectives for which NNS LUGARD was established include the protection of water ways of Rivers Niger and Benue within its Area of Operation (AOO). This is to enhance the well-being of the riverine communities by providing enabling environment for secure commerce and pursuit of legitimate livelihood. Also, NNS LUGARD in collaboration with Sister Service and other agencies in its AOO is mandated to extend Military Assistance to Civil Authority (MACA) and Military Aid to Civil Power (MAC-P) through involvement in Internal Security (IS) Operations. The AOO of NNS LUGARD covers the entire Kogi State and Niger State. This is because the Base has 2 outposts under command namely NOP Idah in Kogi State and the newly established NOP Shagunu in Niger State.  NOP Idah conducts operations in furtherance of the objectives of NNS LUGARD. Notably, the riverine patrols of the Base along the Rivers Niger and Benue extend to parts of Nasarawa, Niger and Edo States. These areas are mainly border communities of Kogi State and include Umaisha in Nasarawa State, Baro in Niger State and Agenebode in Edo State. It is pertinent to mention that, NNS LUGARD has relocated to the permanent site at Banda Lokoja but presently occupying the ground floor of CND building hence there is the need for its own permanent structures.
17. NNS SOROH. NNS SOROH was established as a Type A Base and commenced operations on 27 Dec 12. The Base is charged with the responsibility of conducting riverine operation as well as safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure within its AOO. The primary mandate of the Base is to protect oil and gas infrastructure as well as deter/prevent militancy, sea robbery, anti-crude oil theft and other forms of criminality within its AOO. Its subordinate units are Forward Operating Base Formoso and NOP Koluama II. The AOO of NNS SOROH AOO spans the coastal length of Bayelsa State, that is, from Ramos River to San Bartholomew River which is approximately 107nm including the back waters. Pertinently, the successes of NNS SOROH in carrying out its mandate has resulted in significant reduction of COT, piracy and other maritime related crimes within its AOO. NNS SOROH conducts joint operations with OPDS on various anti-COT operations and activities within the JOA. The activities are aimed at fulfilling the Joint Sector’s mandate of eliminating COT within its AOO and other forms of criminality. The Base AOO has various estuaries which are choke points through which ships and boats move from the sea into the back waters. Hence, in order to enforce the choke point concept of the Nigerian Navy, NNS SOROH currently administers 2 Naval Security Stations strategically located at Akassa and Pennington river entrances. These Naval Security Stations have greatly improved and reduced the spate of COT, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and kidnapping among others in the backwaters of Bayelsa State and adjourning rivers.
18. Naval Base Oguta. Naval Base OGUTA (NBOG) was established following approval by the Navy Board. The Base’ Area of Operation (AOO) covers the entire Imo State including the adjoining Oguta Lake. It has continued to maintain security presence within her AOO in spite of numerous challenges and is currently engaged in force protection to ensure the safety of personnel and security of the Base.

Oguta town is on the East bank of Oguta Lake in Imo State and is divided by the famous Oguta Lake into 2 main parts. One part consists of about 27 villages and the other part known as Oguta new layout, often referred to as Oguta 1 and Oguta 2 respectively. NBOG is currently situated at the Oguta Lake Resort in Oguta 2. The strategic geographical location, potential for tourism and abundant natural resources makes Oguta an important LGA in Imo state. Oguta Lake is about 8km (5nm)     
long, 2.5 km (1.5nm) wide and has an approximated depth of 8m. It is less than a 5-min drive from the Base. The Lake also connects to Orashi River and empty into the Atlantic Ocean. 

13. Naval Air Station Effurun. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Effurun was commissioned on 2 Dec 13 and primarily charged with but not limited to providing air support within the CNC maritime domain. Since inception, the Station has not been assigned dedicated air assets in its inventory except for short deployment. Although the Station has commenced limited air operation. In spite of this, the Station conducts aerial patrols during several Exercises

14. Nigerian Navy Hospital Warri. The Nigerian Navy Hospital (NNH) Warri which began operation in Nov 06 with a 30-bed facility has now been upgraded
     to 50-bed capacity. It provides care for personnel of the NN, NA and NAF, as well as their families, civilian staff and the civilian populace. Since inception, the Hospital has continued to expand the scope of services rendered to patients. The Hospital has recorded some modest achievements. These include establishment of Ear, Nose and
    Throat (ENT) Clinic and construction of access road to the mortuary.
15. Barracks Maintenance Unit Warri. The Barracks Maintenance Unit (BMU) Warri/Sapele was established on 28 Mar 13 and commenced operation on 1 Mar 16. The Unit is charged with the assessment and smooth administration of the barracks in Warri/Sapele areas. Currently, the BMU oversees the Navy Barracks Effurun.
16. Nigerian Navy Secondary School Okura. Nigerian Navy Secondary
    School (NNSS) Okura was established in Sep 15. The School is located along
    Anyigba – Ankpa road in Okura town, Dekina LGA of Kogi State. The secondary school is co-educational and full-fledged boarding. It was established as part of the Nigerian Navy Welfare Programme and social contribution towards the development of Nigerian youths. It is pertinent to state, that the FOC chairs the School Management Committee which is responsible for appropriations and decisions on administrative matters relevant to the running of the school.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND

17. The general administration of the Comd is under the FOC CEN. The FOC CEN is directly responsible to the CNS on all matters concerning the Comd. He exercises both operational and administrative authority over the entire Comd and also implements policies in accordance with NHQ directives. The FOC is assisted by the CSO and the PSOs of the various departments at the HQ CNC that oversee to the day to day running of the Comd. Details of the structure, personnel and others are outlined in subsequent paragraphs.

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF CENTRAL NAVAL COMMAND

18. The CNC since inception has continuously carried out operational activities in line with its statutory mandate including the CNS Strategic Directives. The Comd has rallied and galvanized all efforts towards the mission accomplishment as encapsulated in the documents.
19. Capital Ships and Boats Deployment. The CNC carries out its assigned tasks of seaward and harbour defence with the 9 ships including boats. The capital ships of the Comd are usually deployed for offshore patrols. However, all the ships under Comd are currently attached to OP DAKATAR DA BARAWO. The OCEA boats are deployed within the coastal waters particularly at the major river entrances which include Saint Bartholomew, Brass, Akassa, Sangana, Middleton, Forcados and Escravos.

20. NN Helicopters Deployment. The Comd often requests for air asset from NHQ for surveillance in support of sea and waterway patrols within CNC AOR. The NN helicopters carry out air patrols in support of the policing efforts of the operations bases, as well as movement of VIPs within CNC AOR on request.
21. Naval Security Stations. The NN is currently implementing the Chokepoint Management Regime/House Boat Strategy by emplacing 6 NSSs in the CNC AOR as highlighted earlier under NNS DELTA and SOROH briefs. The NSSs are expected to be self-sustained each with 2 integral gunboats for interdiction. The Comd, through NNS SOROH and NNS DELTA, has continued to provide victuals and services such as fumigation, POL and maintenance to sustain the NSSs. However, irregular and inadequate POL supply remains the major challenge of the NSSs which need to be addressed. Meanwhile, to ensure that the surveillance and communication equipment onboard NSSs are powered at all times, the Comd directed the installation of solar/inverter system onboard NSS 025 by NNS SOROH. This is premised on the success of a similar pilot project carried out onboard NSS 021 by the Comd. Suffice to state that the inverter system has been installed onboard NSS 025 and NSS 026. Also, NNS DELTA has installed same onboard NSS 024 and NSS 029. Accordingly, all the NSSs in the Comd have alternative power supply by means of inverter systems to improve security, while ameliorating the dearth of POL. As you settle in, Comds NNS DELTA and NNS SOROH will brief you fully on the state of all the NSSs.
22. Maritime Domain Awareness Centres. The Command has 2 Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure; the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) and the Falcon Eye Central Regional Control Centre (FE CRCC). These Centres are saddled with the responsibility of providing all round surveillance for shipping activities in order to minimize criminal activities within CNC AOR. The RMAC System has Centres located at HQ CNC and FOB Formoso with a sensor site situated at Brass Terminal. Similarly, the Falcon Eye system has a centre located at HQ CNC as well as sensor sites situated at Brass, Forcados and Escravos. Thus, with the use of the MDA facilities, several piracy attacks on vessels were aborted and the criminals arrested. The MDA Centres also contributed to the succesful conduct of Ex GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2023 and other sea Exercises conducted by the Command. Additionally, 2 sensor sites for the FE CRCC were recently constructed in Delta and Bayelsa States in order to facilitate the coverage of identified blind arcs.
23. Monitoring of Activities of Private Maritime Logistics Support Companies. The activities of Private Maritime Logistics Support Companies (PMLSCs) operating within CNC AOR were adequately put under check. This was to ensure that only PMLSC vessels with valid MoU with the NN were crewed to operate in accordance with laid down standards and agreement. The Comd also carried out inspection of PMLSCs vessels to ensure quality assurance. So far, there was no adverse report on the PMLSCs operating within CNC AOR. The detailed list of PMLSCs and associated vessels is contained in the Operations Department Brief.
24. 24. Round the Clock Monitoring of Vessels. The CNC has emplaced a manual monitoring system for inbound and outbound vessels at Escravos and Brass rivers. This is to complement the RMAC monitoring system using radar (38nm), camera and AIS and the Falcon Eye monitoring system which has Over The Horizon Radar coverage of 200nm. The close monitoring of vessels by the CNC has to an extent impacted positively in reducing the incidents of illegal activities in the AOR.

25. 25. Provision of Security at Major Oil Terminals. The Comd has continued to direct units to provide security at major oil terminals of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) such as SPDC, Chevron, Agip as well as in other locations to prevent security breaches by miscreants. Some of these efforts are in conjunction with the PMLSCs operating in the AOR.

26. Destruction of Illegal Refineries. Since the inception of the CNC, there has been an upsurge in the arrest of illegal vessels/barges and the destruction of vessels carrying illegally refined petroleum products in the AOR. This is as a result of tactical changes in operations in the Comd and the commitment of personnel. It was observed that operators of illegal refineries often times return to reactivate destroyed sites. Consequently, the use of swamp buggy to out rightly destroy the illegal refining equipments was adopted. The DHQ directed security agencies to stop destruction of illegal refineries through burning to avoid environmental degradation in Niger Delta area. The Swamp Buggy Operation no doubt contributed immensely to the successes achieved in the fight against the operators of illegal refining sites within the Comd’s AOR. It is expected that the Comd will continue to sustain her achievements in this regard. However, you will need to follow up on the task for emplacing a new strategy of recovering stolen and illegally refined products.

27. Internal Security Operations in CNC’s AOR. One of the key priorities of the immediate past CNS Strategic Directives is partnership with relevant maritime stakeholders for mutual benefits to the NN and the society. The Comd has continued to participate in IS operations in partnership with sister Services, security agencies and stakeholders through intelligence sharing and joint operations. For instance, the Comd was actively involved in OP FREE CHOICE organized to ensure a safer conduct of the 2023 general election. Operation DELTA SAFE has NNS DELTA, NNS SOROH, FOB Formoso and FOB Escravos as components. Additionally, other units under command participate in other IS operations. Specifically, NNS DELTA is involved in OP DELTA HAWK, NNS LUGARD participates in the Kogi State IS outfit codenamed Op TOTAL FREEDOM; NNS SOROH participates in Op DOO AKPO in Bayelsa State, while NOP Onitsha is involved in Anambra State IS Op code-named OP KPOCHAKPU. It is worthy of note that such collaborative ops led to the curtailing of the activities of IPOB members in Onitsha in recent times.