Maritimegistplus

The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State. ‎ ‎The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on 23 November while harvesting crops on their family farmlands and were freed on Saturday, 29 November, following a swift, intelligence-led operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis. ‎ ‎The rescued girls have been evacuated to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing. Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families. Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction. ‎ ‎ The rescued victims include Fatima Shaibu (17), Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zai...

The Army Council on Thursday, 27th November 2025 approved the promotion of senior officers of the Nigerian Army to the next ranks of Major General and Brigadier General. ‎ ‎According to the approval, a total of 28 Brigadier Generals were elevated to the rank of Major General, while 77 Colonels have were also promoted  to the rank of Brigadier General. ‎ ‎Those promoted to the rank of Major General, according to a press release issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations , Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele. includes, Brig Gen O Adegbe of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Brig Gen SM Uba, the Director, Defence Information, Brig Gen RE Hedima, the Acting Chief of Military  Intelligence Army and Brig Gen RT Utsaha, the Deputy Director, Defence Operations. Also promoted to the rank of Major General are Brig Gen AM Umar, Commandant, Warrant Officer Academy, Brig Gen S Sulaiman, the Deputy Military Secretary (Army),  Brig Gen IO Bassey, Director, Nigerian Army Op...

Comptroller Godwin Otunla has taken over the mantle of leadership of Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) as  the Customs Area Controller  promising to uphold the highest professional standards at the command ‎ ‎Comptroller Otunla took over on Thursday, 27 November 2025 from Comptroller Michael Awe, who retired after meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and his father land ‎ ‎ Otunla in his inaugural address,  described the retired Compt. Awe as an excellent officer with high standards of discipline, who according to him has left a significant legacy at the command in ‎ ‎He pledged to continue on the legacy left behind by focusing on trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling. In his words, "I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service delivery he left behind. Together, we shall raise the bar of performance and institutional integrity". ‎ ‎In his valedictory remarks, Comptroller...

‎ ‎From left: Executive Secretary/CEO, NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, receiving a plaque from the chairman, NBA Badagry Branch, Lawal Rashidi during the event in Lagos. ‎ ‎ The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has been honoured by the Badagry branch (Heritage Bar). Of the Nigerian Bar Association. ‎ ‎The recognition was conferred on him during the 10th Law Week and public presentation of the Heritage Bar Journal, held in Lagos. ‎ ‎The event, with the theme: “Judicial Reputation: Challenges and Solutions,” focused on addressing key issues affecting the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system. ‎ ‎In his remarks, Dr. Akutah expressed deep gratitude for the honour, he noted  that the recognition, though unexpected, reflects the value of dedication to duty. He acknowledged the privilege as an act of God and emphasized that he does not take it for granted. ‎ ‎He urged members of the public, especially those ...

‎ The European Union-International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (EU-IIDEA), together with key stakeholders, has urged an urgent review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), warning that the country cannot achieve inclusive growth or adequately protect vulnerable groups under the current fragmented framework. ‎ ‎The call took place during the National SDA Summit, organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) and funded by the European Union under its CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project in Abuja. ‎ ‎Originally conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004, the Social Development Act serves as Nigeria’s central framework for coordinated and inclusive social development. However, stakeholders argue that it no longer accurately reflects the nation’s realities. ‎ ‎Delivering the keynote address, Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender and Social Development, Hon. Valentina Enih, said, “The Act is older than ma...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been honoured with the Corporate Leadership Award as the “Most Outstanding Maritime Agency in Efficiency and Transparency in Nigerian Ports”. ‎ ‎This award, which validates the Council's resolve to promote efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness within the nation’s port ecosystem was bestowed on the agency at the Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame Induction and the 2nd International Women’s Leadership Summit, held recently in Abuja. The event was themed “Fostering Sustainability, Women and Leadership with Technologies.” ‎ ‎ ‎ The Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah MON, who was represented by Mr. Moses Abere, the Director, Special Duties  led a high‑level delegation from the Nigeria Shippers Council to the event. ‎ ‎ Delivering a paper titled “Technology, Women and Shipping Regulation in a Smart Port Regime,” Mr. Abere conveyed the Executive Secretary’s message that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in its maritime develop...

In a significant visit to key operational commands in the Niger Delta, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders to prioritize the welfare of their personnel while sustaining the offensive against crude oil theft and other illegalities. ‎ ‎The CNS issued the directive on Tuesday during an operational briefing at the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. ‎ ‎ Addressing the command, Vice Admiral Abbas commended the efforts of the troops and urged the OPDS Commander not to relent in the critical mission of securing the nation's maritime environment. He pledged the continuous support of the Nigerian Navy to the joint task force, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in achieving their objectives. ‎ ‎Later, the visit took on a personal tone as Vice Admiral Abbas moved to the Headquarters of the Central Naval Command (CNC), a formation he described as “home.” Recalling his previous tenure as the Co...

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a significant revenue collection of over N2.5billion in October, representing an increase of 300 percent when compared to it’s previous monthly average collection of N600million. ‎ ‎The command attributed the growth to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade. ‎ ‎The Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga disclosed this in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC Isah Sulaimon to clarify and dissociate the command from an online publication which alleged the act of misconduct by  some of its officers along the Seme Badagry corridor. ‎ ‎The statement, which described the report as misleading and unfounded noted that since the assumption of Controller Adenuga in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collab...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) medical team yesterday trained officers and men of the Apapa Area Command on basic first aid training. ‎ ‎The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba according to a press release issued by the public relations officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs SC JT Ayagbalo described the initiative as a crucial investment in workplace safety and operational readiness. ‎ ‎In his welcome address, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the programme reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. ‎ ‎He described first aid knowledge as a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially officers as they are frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments. ‎ ‎ Oshoba noted that simple but timely interventions such as; CPR, bleeding control, choking relief and stroke recognition often determine whether a victim survives, fully recov...

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement with operators in the oil and gas sector. The session focused on reinforcing compliance with regulatory requirements and improving efficiency in vessel handling and jetty operations within the Command’s jurisdiction. ‎ ‎The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller E. J. Edelduok i n her opening remarks,  described the oil and gas sector as a critical pillar of national revenue generation and energy stability.  According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command,  Chief Superintendent of Customs  CSC  VU Ogagbor,  the CAC underscored the need for transparent documentation, precise product accountability, and prompt Customs procedures to ensure the seamless discharge, storage, and evacuation of petroleum products. ‎ ‎ Comptroller Edelduok encouraged stakeholders to prese...

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the appointment of Barrister Adenike Adeyele Iyelolu as the new Registrar of Ships for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ‎Her appointment, which follows the recommendation of the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, according to a press release issued by Mr Osagie Edward FNIPR, is In line with the NIMASA Act 2007. ‎ ‎The Registrar of Ships, which is for a four-year tenure will report directly to the Director General for the effective administration of the Nigerian Ship Registry. The Act provides that “the Registrar of Ships shall, with the approval of the Minister, be appointed by the Director General from among the staff of the Agency.” ‎ ‎Adenike Iyelolu who is currently a Deputy Director in NIMASA replaces Barr. Tajudeen Giwa who has just retired after years of commendable service is an accomplished legal a...

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Capital Territory Area Command, has successfully organized a one-day workshop focused on strengthening officers’ understanding and effective utilization of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) operational framework. ‎ ‎The workshop, held on 18th November 2025, at the Command, brought together officers from various units to enhance their knowledge of the integrated service system designed to streamline processes, improve workload efficiency, and ensure faster service delivery. ‎ ‎In her address, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller, Victoria C. Aliboh noted that the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative remains a key component in driving efficiency and transparency within Customs operations. She emphasized that the training embodies the Service’s commitment to continuous improvement, capacity building, and the modernization of Customs procedures in line with global best practice. ‎

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has charged newly promoted soldiers of Headquarters 81 Division to continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, hard work, and dedication in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities. ‎ ‎According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army "Major General Mijinyawa gave the charge on 18 November 2025, at the Division’s Headquarters Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted soldiers. ‎ ‎ At the ceremony, Staff Sergeant Babagana Abacha and Staff Sergeant Kassim Musediku were decorated with the ranks of Warrant Officers. In addition, six  Sergeants were elevated to the rank of Staff Sergeant, four  Corporals to Sergeants, while three  Lance Corporals were decorated with the rank of Corporals. ‎ ‎While congratulating the soldiers on ...

I President Ahmed Tinubu has charged African nations to dismantle inefficient borders, modernise their Customs systems and commit to a unified trade architecture capable of reshaping the continent’s economic future. ‎ ‎He stated this on Monday, 17 November 2025 while declaring open the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit at the State House in Abuja. ‎ ‎ President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa’s prosperity depends on deliberate reforms that convert its large market and population into a functional economic bloc, thereby replacing fragmented markets with coordinated policy implementation, stressing that every country must demonstrate political will, institutional alignment and the readiness to deploy technology that simplifies trade. ‎ ‎In his words, “The administration’s reform, exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, port modernisation, and stronger Customs digitalization, were desig...

The TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to strive in the area of revenue generation for the country as it hit yet another height in its revenue generation drive. ‎ ‎The Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Frank Onyeka, since the introduction of the Unified Customs Management System, codenamed the B'Odogwu software platform has continued to experience greater performances in various areas of its operations. ‎ ‎The October 2025 revenue record as obtained from the office of the public relations officer, Chief Supretendent of Customs, Oscar Ivara shows the second highest revenue generation of the Command with the a total of one hundred and fifty four billion, three hundred and eighty four million, eight hundred and thirty four thousand, fifty naira and ninety three Kobo (₦154,384,834,050.93k) only ‎ ‎Recall that the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Onyeka has said in August when the Command recorded its highest r...