Maritime Agencies
MAN Rector Tasks ICPC, Questions Motive for Inclusion on Corruption Listing.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
It is patently wrong and unacceptable for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to, without any proof of wrongdoing, list the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) as a High Corruption Risk Agency (HCR) on the guise that the College allegedly failed to respond to its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) questionnaire, MAN Rector, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd) has observed.
The classification, he insists, is not justified as the ICPC never conducted any study before coming up with its conclusion regarding the Academy. He said that if efforts are not made to promptly present the facts as they are, the news report on the ranking and the wide publicity stand to do incalculable damage to the integrity and image of MAN, Oron.
According to the Rector, the ranking is capable of de-marketing the Academy nationally and internationally beside eroding the giant strides it has made in the global maritime arena in the past five years.
Beyond this, the unsubstantiated allegation will endanger various partnerships MAN has entered into with foreign MTIs especially in the area of capacity building, technical support and marketability.
The motive in including the Academy on the HCR corruption ranking, the Rector said, is suspect as the institution duly responded to ICPC’s EICS query of July 2, 2021 through the email designated for this purpose.
On January 9, 2022, another email response was sent with even a hard copy addressed to the same Mr A. Udofia, the director in charge of the ranking. An acknowledgement copy from the ICPC indicating that the mails were duly received serves as a proof of delivery. “Surprisingly, this man went ahead to mislead the Commission to include the Academy on the list for reasons best known to him.”
At an event in Lagos, the Rector explained that the listing of MAN may have been premeditated considering issues associated with receipt of the EICS correspondences and other related matters which the Study System and Review Department of the ICPC in charge of the assessment and ranking appeared to have shown bias and attitude to. He promised to approach the ICPC Chairman to formally complain so that the leadership can investigate what he refers to as bias of some of the staff in the handling of affairs of MAN in recent time.
On March 12, 2021, Effedua disclosed, MAN received a similar request and promptly responded to it through the ICPC’s email as specifically directed. “After some months, they wrote again to say they didn’t get our reply. We stated that we did and went further to show proof of delivery as evidence”.
The Rector wondered if MAN is to be held responsible for operational lapses within the responsible department in the ICPC.
“Before this time, we sent names of some staff of the Academy who gained employment with forged certificates to the ICPC to do their own investigation. Majority of the affected staff are from the State and host community. More than three years now, ICPC didn’t act on our request. Each time we asked for updates, they ask us to send the names again and we do. Up till today, ICPC didn’t act on the reports and this is making us to be suspicious of motives of some internal forces within the respected anti-graft agency. How can they claim that documents didn’t get to their destination within their complex despite proof of delivery and acknowledgement from them?”
Speaking specifically on the 2022 questionnaire used to carry out the incorrect assessment, Effedua said: “The EICS letter arrived the Academy December 22, 2022 and despite that the Academy had closed for the year after the 2022 Graduation Ceremony, I directed that the request be treated immediately and it was done and submitted on January 9, 2023.
“Now, based on the funny signals we have been getting from them, we decided to submit the hard copy of the EICS to the Director of Study System and Review Department, Mr A. Udofia and it was received and acknowledged by the Commission. Strangely, it was this same director that claimed that MAN didn’t reply to their audit request which is untrue.
“I am worried that some persons are not happy with the positive things happening in the Academy under my watch. Remember that since coming onboard, a cabal holding down the development of the Academy has written more than 6000 petitions against me because I blocked the leakages and shut them out.”
The Rector is worried that ICPC’s strange and inexplainable tag on MAN as a high corruption risk institution is injurious not only to his person and the office but to the nation and her citizenry. ICPC leadership, he insists, should look into the matter. “If the Study System and Review Department of our revered ICPC is saying that it conducted a research to arrive at its unfair assessment and ranking, where and how did they do this without visiting the Academy?”, he queried.
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 .
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MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
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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 Agencies6 days agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.