Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has directed the commencement of the fifth phase of Operation TSARE TEKU.

The operation, which was activated in April 2016 in response to the surge in illegalities in the nation’s waters, has recorded reduction in pirate attacks in Nigerian waters.

Hence, the force has extended the duration of the ongoing anti-piracy operation till January 2018.

This directive was contained in a statement signed by Acting Director of Information, Navy Captain Suleman Dahun.

The statement disclosed that 6 Nigerian Navy shipshave been assigned for the operation. They are:NNS OKPABANA, NNS UNITY, NNS NWAMBA, NNS OBULA and NNS SAGBAMA .

Some of the objectives of the operation include curbing militant activities, sustaining maritime interdiction operations and blockade to deter pirates, robbers and militants.

Meanwhile, in the first half of 2016, 53 pirate attacks on shipping were recorded with 36 successful.

However, in the corresponding period in 2017, only four successful attacks occurred out of a total of 17 attempted attacks.

This is attributed to the effectiveness of this dedicated anti-piracy operation and enhanced patrols at sea by Nigerian Navy ships. (TV360 Nigeria)