….as military trains more Covid-19 medics
By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The Nigerian navy has arrested 10 pirates, rescued 18 crew members believed to be foreign nationals compromises Chinese, Ghanaians and Ivorians on 15 May, 2020.
This was after the Nigerian Navy was alerted following the attack on the Chinese vessel MV HAILUFANG II by the pirates off the coast of Cote D’ivoire after which the pirates took control of the vessel directing it towards Nigerian Waters.
Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO),Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. John Enenche disclosed this in a routine press briefing in Abuja.
Enenche said, the NN immediately swung into conduct oppose boarding and intercepted the vessel, arresting the pirates and saving the lives of about 18 foreign nationals onboard unhurt.
“On 15 of May 2020, a Chinese vessel, MV HAILUFANG II was attacked by pirates off the Coast of Cote D’ Ivoire. The pirates took control of the vessel and directed the vessel towards Nigerian Waters.
The vessel had 18 crew members comprising Chinese, Ghanaians and Ivorians.
“The Nigerian Navy was alerted of the pirate attack and immediately, the Nigerian Navy Ship NGURU was dispatched to intercept the vessel.
“On interception of the vessel at about 140 nautical miles south of Lagos Fairway Buoy, the pirates refused to comply to the orders of the Nigerian Navy Ship, hence the Nigerian Navy had to conduct an opposed boarding of the vessel. All the ship crew were safely rescued, while the 10 pirates were also arrested”. He explained.
This professionalism and dexterity of the Nigerian Navy Ship Nguru was commended as stated by Enenche.
He added that, during the week under review, operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Stroke , had conducted several operations leading to the killing of 29 bandits and militias,some were arrested ,some of their dwellings destroyed with many arms and ammunition recovered in the states of Benue, Nasarawa, Katsina ,Zamfara, amongst others.
In the same vain, the DMO Coordinator also hinted that under the Operation Delta Safe, the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA has conducted anti-illegal bunkering/Crude Oil Theft (COT) operations in some communities including Ugbodede, Uwakeno, Opumami, Banga and Escravos general area in Warri South LGA of Delta State.
Thousands of torage tanks, ovens laden with over fourteen thousand barrels of suspected stolen crude oil as well as millions of litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO. The storage facilities were dismantled.
He however said no arrest was made as operators of the illegal refining sites fled on sighting the team.
But, the troops had earmarked the illegal refining sites for swamp buggy operation.
These and many other achievements were recorded by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operating in various theatres across the Country during the week
On the fight against Corona virus, the DMO Coordinator said, the Arm Forces of Nigeria will train over 200 medics in 8 designated centers across Nigeria through Train the Trainers approach to enhance capacity of the medical personnel following the rising cases of Covid- 19 patients in the country.
“Due to rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, it was considered necessary to train additional personnel in selected Hospitals across the Armed Forces of Nigeria to boost the capacity of medical personnel in the management of COVID-19.
“The training package is a Train-the-Trainer, where the beneficiaries are expected to train other personnel at hospitals, related medical facilities and other places of deployment, to enhance capacity building in the management of the pandemic.
“Consequently, the Armed Forces of Nigeria COVID-19 case management/IPC training will be conducted in 8 designated military centres across the country, namely Headquarters 1 Division Kaduna, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 7 Division Maiduguri, 81 Division Lagos and Headquarters 82 Division Enugu.
“Others are Headquarters Eastern Naval Command Calabar, Headquarters Tactical Air Command Makurdi and Headquarters Guards Brigade Abuja.
“At the end of this training the total number will be 300 personnel”. He added.
He further explained that, all the military operations in the country are Covid-19 guidelines compliant.
Recall that the AFN had donated about 21 medical facilities as isolation centers as well as trained about 80 medics in its effort to intervene and containment of COVID-19 pandemic plaguing the world, Nigeria inclusive.
The Military High Command has however congratulated all the gallant troops of all components of the military personnel and other security agencies involved in various operations across the country.
Gen. Enenche has equally appreciates the general public for providing credible information that facilitated the success of various operations. The troops are encouraged to remain focused on eliminating the enemies of the country, while the general public is requested to continue to provide credible information in furtherance of our national security.
