Maritime Agencies
Dr Okonna, Ag Rector, MAN, Oron, Pledges Friendly Partnership With Host Communities
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In line with her Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, remains ever committed to maintain a robust, friendly and mutually-beneficial relationship with her host communities.
Dr Kevin Okonna, the Acting Rector of the institution, made the pledge in Oron recently while receiving in audience the Executive Chairman, Oron Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Asukwo Okon Enweme during a courtesy visit.
As stated in a release by Domo Umoekpe, the institution’s image maker, the Ag Rector spoke on the need to deepen the robust relationship and partnership existing between MAN, sister institutions and neighbouring communities in order to mutually reap from the huge gains therefrom.
In this spirit, the Acting Rector disclosed, MAN is presently considering partnering with the host community to create awareness for safety in inland waterways transportation since this constitutes a major means of movement for communities and people living in the area.
The release said: “The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering a lasting partnership with its host community through the launch of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility programmes such as inland waterways safety awareness campaign.
The Oron LGA Chairman’s visit, the release explained, afforded the Ag Rector, who mounted the saddle last December, opportunity
to outline to the visitors his action plans and projects especially concerning the host community.
The release quoted Okonna as saying, “We are very conscious of our corporate social responsibility towards our host community and we will not fail in making sure that our presence is felt. There are things to be done to create that impact, and the Academy’s Management is committed to bringing that impact to bear.
“We are actively pursuing strategic partnerships with leading international organisations and relevant national institutions to sponsor safety awareness campaigns and our focus is on equipping operators and users of inland waterways with vital knowledge and skills for safe boat operations in the host community.
“The initiative which is in tandem with the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, towards curbing boat mishaps in Nigeria, would go beyond saving lives at sea, to underscore the Academy’s value in enhancing national development,” he added.
The Acting Rector drew the attention of the Local Government Council Chairman to the massive development in the Academy courtesy of the efforts of past administrations, especially that of the immediate past Rector, Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd), maintaining that the Academy being an international institution has a duty to adhere to international best practices to continue being relevant in the global maritime scene. He pledged that his administration would remain firm and resolute on attaining and maintaining international standards.
He reiterated the need for stability in the institution to sustain the momentum of development and therefore urged the Local Government boss to partner with the Academy for the achievement of this objective.
Earlier, Hon. Chief Asukwo Okon Enweme congratulated the Ag Rector on his appointment and thanked him for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage. He assured him of his continuous support towards the development of the Academy.
The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the massive physical and curricular transformation that has come the way of the Academy of recent, even as he reminisced on the host community’s cordial relationship with past Rectors, which according to him has provided a conducive working atmosphere, promoting peaceful co-existence between the Academy and its host community.
“Years ago, when the Academy needed more land to actualise its university status dream, I facilitated that process. I have always and would continue to ensure the host community contributes its quota towards the development of the Academy. The Academy would outlive all of us, so it behooves us to ensure we make positive impacts whilst we are still alive,” he noted.
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.
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Customs3 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.