Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF Pledges Total Support And Cooperation As New Ports Police Boss Visits
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The new Commissioner of Police, Port Command, Mr Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba has pleaded for support and cooperation from the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) to enable him succeed in the onerous task of policing the ports to ensure safety of business, individual operators and establishments.
The Commissioner was speaking at the NAGAFF Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, Wednesday, during his maiden visit to the apex freight forwarding organization.
The major reason for the visit, he stated, was to familiarize himself with NAGAFF as an association and freight forwarders who, among other stakeholders, constitute the bulk of key players in ports business.
“We are here to get familiar with NAGAFF. From the briefing I heard, we have been having cordial relationship with NAGAFF and we want that to continue,” the CP told the NAGAFF high command.
In his response, NAGAFF Founder, Dr B.O. Aniebonam who referred to information available on the visitor, welcomed the CP and described him as a thorough-bred professional who has traversed various divisions of the Nigerian Police, making indelible marks in all places he had served.
Dr Aniebonam who doubles as Founder, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) charged NAGAFF members to always play to the rules in their businesses. He warned them not to take advantage of the visit of the Commissioner of Police and the familiarity on ground to perpetrate crime.
“We have no reason to take advantage of the visit of the CP to go and commit crime.The best way we can support him is to be law- abiding”, Aniebonam admonished.
“If you want to protect yourself, be on the path of the law”, he added.
Dr C.C Iwegbuna, NAGAFF National PRO.
He placed on record the warm relationship between NAGAFF and the Nigerian Police spanning decades and commended the posture of reliable partners the association has continued to be.
The NAGAFF and NNPP Founder who assured the CP of the Association’s support affirmed that Nigerians have the best of friends in the Nigerian Police as long as they do not do things tht run counter to the provisions of the law.
NAGAFF, he explained, is an association that cherishes integrity and as such does not get itself involved in acts of criminality.
“This is your home”, Aniebonam told the CP.
“We are not involved in criminality and any member that involves in criminality should consider himself or herself not a member of NAGAFF,”Aniebonam emphasized.
Regarding operational challenges, especially entrance into the port, Dr Aniebonam said port pass should not be an issue because it would cost the Nigerian Ports Authority nothing to issue same to all port users including freight forwarders. As a temporary measure, he advised, NAGAFF leaders should do a register of members and forward same to the police for record purposes pending when the NPA would come up with issuance of port port pass.
He told the visiting CP that the Federal Government recently appointed the sitting General Secretary of the association as the Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria ( CRFFN), a subtle acknowledgement of the relevance of NAGAFF in the scheme of things.
He vowed that NAGAFF would do everything possible to ensure that CRFFN works.
Earlier, the NAGAFF National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi told the CP that NAGAFF is a place that brings good luck to her visitors, pointing to several police officers who got elevated to higher ranks in the past because they established reasonable friendship with the association.
He prayed that the same fate would befall the new CP who realized the need to visit and familiarize with the Association.
“We assure 100% support from NAGAFF,” Ezisi said.
Maritime Agencies
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSL), the company in charge of security surveillance over oil and gas installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, a United States–based defence and aerospace company, to supply her three advanced Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
TSSNL owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) disclosed the business deal in her website publication of December 29, 2025. The drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 is designed to operate without runways, utilising hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fixed-wing flight.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, Textron Systems says, is a mature, industry-proven autonomous platform known for its high reliability and operational flexibility. Its dual-mode capability allows it to operate seamlessly in complex and high-risk environments, making it well-suited for security operations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Giving further insight into the contract, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, David Phillips, said the deployment would significantly enhance Tantita’s operational capability.
”The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a proven solution that will enable Tantita Security Services to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he stated.
The Aerosonde platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operating environments, underscoring its reliability and performance.
Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the systems to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical oil and gas assets across Nigeria.
The contract also includes options for operator training and the supply of additional aircraft to support future capability expansion. Textron Systems noted that the agreement builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Nigeria, further highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian security operations.
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, land and sea systems, with the Aerosonde family of UAS currently supporting international customers and operations aboard more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. The company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a diversified multinational with interests spanning aviation, defence, industrial manufacturing and finance.
With multiple payload configurations and comprehensive training and support services, the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a versatile and efficient solution for security operations in demanding environments, reinforcing Tantita Security Services’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
Maritime Agencies
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate a brand new year, the pioneer maritime journalists’ group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), has implored the entire business community, especially maritime industry stakeholders, to join the association afresh in advancing the cause of the industry to ensure more impact and relevance in the national economy in the new year and beyond.
In a New Year message, MARAN Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele described 2026 as a “year of greater impact,” stressing the need for improved service delivery and more robust maritime reportage to support national development.
According to him, the collective efforts of stakeholders in the outgoing year contributed positively to the growth of the maritime sector, urging all parties to sustain the spirit of unity and collaboration in the new year.
“United, we can make Nigeria proud by contributing our quota to national development, each from our own little corner,” the MARAN chairman said.
Ayodele reaffirmed MARAN’s readiness to collaborate with organisations and institutions across the maritime value chain, noting that such partnerships are crucial to making Nigeria’s maritime space one that is admired and celebrated.
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support extended to the association throughout 2025 and called for renewed commitment in the year ahead.
“Thank you for your cooperation and support in 2025. Let us do it again in 2026,” he added.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the ongoing efforts to thwart economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Ltd, the firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations in the oil -rich region, has nabbed four suspected oil thieves, intercepting their vessel named MT Thor. Suspects are to undergo trial for economic sabotage .
Speaking at the handover of the suspects at Koko Port, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Capt Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally-sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
The interception occurred on 15 December 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, says a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.
The report stated that Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
It was further alleged that the vessel was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko. The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day. As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
NIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
Tincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoFIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoWIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
-
Customs2 weeks agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
-
Customs2 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .