The Navy command in the Western part of Nigeria on Thursday launched “Operation Water Guard” in the Badagry axis of Lagos State.
The inauguration was part of moves to fight smugglers, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities disturbing the maritime space.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan during the inauguration of the operation said the exercise was set up to protect the nation’s economy.
He said “In response to the escalating maritime threats, Operation WATER GUARD is a strategic initiative aligned with the Navy’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment. The operation specifically targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to the Benin Republic.
“The operation would further ensure the nation’s maritime space would be conducive during the Christmas period and beyond.
‘We solicit support, especially from communities. This operation would not add to already established checkpoints along the road but we will employ intelligence-led checks which would complement the sustained presence at sea.
“We are working with sister agencies towards achieving the common goal of safeguarding our nations. We are employing a lot of intelligence and it is working.”
