Navy trains 40 policemen on Marine Operations

The Nigerian Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) has started a Basic Marine Operation Course (BMOC) for 40 policemen to counter pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other waterway crimes. 

The course, which would last for 12 weeks, is aimed at developing capacity for marine and riverine operations of the marine wing of the Nigeria Police Force. 

The policemen on training include 14 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP), six inspectors, seven sergeants and 13 corporals.

The BMOC training commander, Captain LC Izu, said some of the maritime courses would be taught by Captain Mayowa Olukoya, a Deputy Commander Special Boat Services (SBS). 

The NAVTRAC Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, said their business in NAVTRAC was to impart requisite skills in promoting proficiency among personnel.

He added: "Nigeria's maritime domain remains a strategic asset with enormous resources and potentials. We’re equally cognizant of the fact that this natural benefit has been persistently channeled by a myriad of threats that have impinged on Nigeria's economic wellbeing and national security. The Command, through the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra, headed by Commodore Francis Isaac, runs professional courses for NN personnel and occasionally for other agencies. In this light, the NNS was tasked to conduct the BMOC for personnel of the NPF and the course is aimed at ensuring that the marine police have a grasp of the necessary skills.” 

Osinowo said that to the course will is help the policemen to operate effectively in their assigned areas and in compliance with existing statutes and jurisdiction.

He said: “This is meant to enhance the Marine Police capability to conduct operations in support of the NN in the internal waters up to harbour and port entrances of Nigeria.”

He said that the training objectives for the BMOC includes inculcating in the marine police specific areas of operations/jurisdiction in the internal waters best practices in seamanship, navigation and other specific areas of maritime operations. 

Osinowo said: “The course is tailored towards improving the marine police's ability in weapon handling and boat handling maintenances. As well as being introduced to the laws of the sea, search and rescue, as well as other elements of chart work and rules of the road."

The representative of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Marine Command, Ahmed Iliyasu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said this was a window of opportunity cashed into by the police.