On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the 243 Recce Battalion of the Nigerian Army was officially inducted into the Joint Task Force South West (JTF SW) OP AWATSE. The induction ceremony, which took place at the 243 Recce Battalion Parade Ground in Ibereko, Badagry, also marked the launch of Operation WATERGUARD II. The event was presided over by Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command and Task Force Commander of JTF SW OP AWATSE.
In his opening remarks, Rear Admiral Hassan emphasized that the inclusion of the 243 Recce Battalion would significantly boost the operational capability of the JTF in addressing the challenges of smuggling and other illegal activities in the Badagry region. He pointed out that the battalion’s expertise in land operations would complement the task force’s existing efforts in securing the maritime and littoral areas along the Badagry axis.
“The addition of the Nigerian Army, particularly the 243 Recce Battalion, into OP AWATSE will enhance our ability to effectively counter smuggling and other related crimes. Operation WATERGUARD II is designed to further strengthen joint operations in this area and ensure that criminal activities are significantly curtailed,” Rear Admiral Hassan stated.
According to Hassan, having identified manpower gap in coverage of our operations, Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa graciously approved the inclusion of 243 Battalion of Nigerian Army in the operation.
“We are leveraging on this induction to revamp our effort under operation Water Guard which has been reinvigorated, renamed Operation Water Guard II, which will be launched today
“Badagry, a place of great historical significance in our nation has been identified as one of the routes for smuggling of refined petroleum products, narcotics, foreign-parboiled rice and trafficking of young girls.
“This poses great challenges, and constitutes economic sabotage which threaten the security and prosperity of our nation.
“It is therefore our solemn duty as a force under the auspices of the JTF OP AWATSE operating in Badagry axis of the SW to tackle these issues head-on.
“The extant Operation Water Guard was an initiative that embodies our commitment to put an end to these unlawful activities. Without a doubt, a lot has been achieved in this regard.
“It is, however, believed that the induction of Nigerian Army today will add more impetus on land to what the operation has been doing in the maritime space and the littoral of Badagry general area,” he said.
Hassan said that the command had provided helicopter, trucks, Hillux pick-up to combat smuggling in the area. He urged communities leaders in Badagry to support them in fighting smuggling.
Also speaking, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri said Operation Water Guard was flagged off on Nov.9, 2023 to stem the tide of smuggling activities within Badagry and adjoining areas known for criminal hotspot.
“The smuggling activities include smuggling of refined petroleum products, foreign parboiled rice and narcotics as well as human trafficking across our borders. These criminal activities constitute not only security threats, but also economic sabotage which threatens the security and prosperity of our great nation.
“On the other hand, the JTF SW Op Awatse was launched and became fully operational. Its mandate includes curbing pipeline vandalism, theft of petroleum products and protection of critical petroleum pipelines.
“Others are anti-cultism and anti-smuggling along the axis of Atlas cove and Ogun State.
“To further consolidate on the gains achieved, the CDS saw the need to conceptualize both operations so as to boost the efforts of the troops for joint action required to stamp out smuggling and other criminal activities within the maritime space.
“Therefore, the induction of the 243 Recce Battalion of Nigerian Army into OP Awatse and revamp of OP Water Guard II is expected to go a long way in curtailing the menace of smuggling and other criminal vices.
“Therefore, the induction of soldiers into operation and launch of Operation Water Guard II is expected to go a long way in curtailing the menace of smuggling,” he said.
In his remarks, Lt. Col A M. Abdu, the Commanding Officer, 243 Recce Barracks, Nigerian Army, Ibereko, Badagry, said they are ready, committed, and deeply motivated to execute their duties with precision, discipline, professionalism, and loyalty.
The event was attended by key military and security personnel, including Brigadier General Agbi, Chief of Staff, 81 Division Nigerian Army, who represented the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division; Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore RT Oladejo; Chief of Operations Western Naval Command, Commodore AO Ojebode; Commander Nigerian Army Barracks (NAB), Commodore SO Ega; as well as representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Badagry Division.
The induction of the 243 Recce Battalion and the launch of Operation WATERGUARD II highlight the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military and security agencies to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, especially in regions prone to illicit activities such as smuggling.