Navy launches Maritime Surveillance Capacity

THE Nigerian Navy recently reiterated its commitment to protect the nation’s water ways devoid of any criminal activities.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, spoke during the inauguration of a project tagged, “Falcon Eye” at the Navy Headquarter in Abuja.

Ibas said the Falcon Eye (Over the Horizon Maritime Surveillance from Detection to Interception), was a capacity enhancer.

He explained that it reduced the cost of patrols and allowed accurate ways of going about maritime surveillance. “When you have troops patrolling without focus, we can sit back at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja and identify some vessels of interests and investigate them.”

Ibas added that the equipment also enabled the naval personnel to see beyond the horizon. He said when completed, everything will be easier for the naval personnel to carry out their tasks effectively.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), who was the Special Guest of Honour, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, while inaugurating the project, commended Navy for coming out with such a brilliant idea.

The NSA expressed confidence that the project would go a long way in reducing all forms of criminal activities in the nation’s water ways.

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Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside said the project was a positive development.

He said it would assist Navy to keep an eye on the nation’s maritime domain. “It will make Navy to be more aware of the activities going on in maritime domain.

“The equipment will help in the area of detection of criminal activities, interception of criminals and record keeping,” he said.

He said the equipment would also provide NN an ample advantage to see and tackle piracy and other criminal activities within the nation’s water ways.

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“It is indeed a wonderful development; I am quite impressed with what I saw today, I am also in touch with my Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), counterparts, and we agree that the equipment is strategic to our plans”, Peterside said.k