Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, who spoke with newsmen at the command in Onne, Rivers State, explained that the exercise would increase the capacity of officers and men of the Nigerian Navy.
Oluwole pointed out that the activation of ‘Exercise Sharkbite’ was in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive for zero tolerance to all forms of maritime illegalities within Nigeria’s coastal areas.
He expressed worry over the activities of pipeline vandals, illegal oil bunkering, adding that measures had been put in place to increase the fight against crimes within the nation’s waterways.
“Our sea exercise is at the fringes. The exercise area is within my area of responsibility (Rivers to Cross River State). It covers about 24,000 nautical miles.
“The ‘Exercise Sharkbite’ also serves the purpose of ensuring the combat readiness of deployable forces prior to deployment. It is a two-day exercise sequel to the simulation exercise earlier conducted at the Armed Forces Simulation Centre, Jaja, Kaduna.
He disclosed that 400 officers and 3,000 men of the Nigerian Navy were involved in the ‘Exercise Sharkbite’ programme.
According to him, “The Nigerian Navy more than ever before, must be in the best position to secure critical oil and gas infrastructure both ashore and offshore for socio-economic activities to thrive in the maritime domain.
“It is pertinent to state that ‘Exercise Sharkbite’ is also a precursor to the. CNS Annual Sea Exercise scheduled for December this year.
“The fleet that will be exercised at sea comprises four capital ships; NNS Okpabana, Ologbo, Burutu, Santana and Helicopter. Other participating units are three Type ‘A’ Basis, NNS Jubilee, Pathfinder Victory and Forward Operating Bases.”
He however assured members of the public that Exercise Sharkbite was not meant to inconvenience law abiding seafarers, citizens, adding that adequate measures have been put in place to protect them and their property.
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