Maritime Agencies
LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE CUSTOMS: Comptroller Abubakar Decorates Promoted Officers, Stresses Hard Work, Dedication to Duty.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In furtherance of her commitment to hard work, dedication and promotion of the spirit of service which are special attributes that define operations in the Nigeria Customs Service, the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Wednesday, decorated officers who benefitted from the recent staff promotions nationwide.
Speaking during the event, the LFTZ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller (Mrs) HKA Abubakar announced that a total of 29 officers and men were favoured in the promotions.
”I am pleased to inform you that a total of twenty-nine (29) officers and men of the Command have been promoted as follows:
Deputy Controller (DC) to Controller (CC) – 2, Assistant Controller (AC) to Deputy Controller (DC) – 6, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) to Assistant Controller (AC) – 5 and Superintendent of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) – 7.”
”Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) to Superintendent of Customs (SC) – 2, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) to Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) – 2, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) – 2, Inspector of Customs (IC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) – 2 and Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC) – 1″.
According to Comptroller Abubakar, promotion in the Service is not given lightly but earned through commitment, discipline and the consistent demonstration of capacity and integrity in the discharge of duty.
”For those we are decorating today,”she added, “this recognition is a testament to your perseverance, loyalty, and invaluable contributions to the growth and success of this Command and the Service at large.”
She reminded the celebrants and other officers that promotion to higher ranks come with greater responsibilities.
” Promotion is not only a reward but also a call to higher expectations. You are now positioned to serve as role models, to inspire your subordinates, and to raise the standard of professionalism, discipline and efficiency within our Command.”
”The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has continued to play a strategic role in revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement of Customs laws. Our collective progress is made possible by the unwavering commitment of officers like those we honour today. It is my firm belief that this promotion will further energize you to contribute more diligently to our common objectives of improved revenue, compliance in Free Zones and the Port, as well as stronger stakeholder engagement.”
She enjoined officers not favoured in the promotion not to despair but to continue to demonstrate resilience and loyalty to duty.
”Be assured that your efforts are recognized, and in due time, your turn will surely come. The Service remains fair and just in rewarding hard work.”
Appreciating sister agencies who honoured the Command’s invitation to the decoration event, she said their attendance, solidarity and collaboration remain invaluable in the discharge of the Command’s collective responsibilities.
”Your support not only strengthens inter-agency synergy but also reinforces the spirit of partnership needed to enhance national security, trade facilitation and revenue generation. On behalf of the Command, we thank you sincerely for joining us on this special occasion and for your continued cooperation in service to our nation.”
For the newly decorated officers and their families, she stated that the promotion serves as a source of renewed strength, motivation, and commitment.
”I urge you all to continue to give your best, uphold the values of the Service, and justify the confidence reposed in you,” Comptroller Abubakar concluded.
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 agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
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Customs3 weeks agoTincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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