The Nigerian Navy and residents of Bonny Island in Rivers State are mourning the loss of the Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) Bonny, Lietenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who met his untimely demise during an operation along the Opobo River in Rivers State.

The Opobo River connects three local government areas, Andoni, Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs of Rivers State.

The operation by personnel of the Nigerian Navy was an attempt at rescuing 59 persons from drowning in the turbulent sea.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aliu Adams disclosed in Abuja that on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Nigerian Navy received a distress call from MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at Opobo field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.

It was reported that the vessel was at the risk of sinking near the Opobo River entrance, an area known to be turbulent at this time of the year.

Accordingly, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny deployed a rescue team comprising 10 armed personnel in two Interceptor Boats led by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, for the rescue operation.

“Attempts to approach the distressed vessel proved challenging due to the force of the waves and another squadron of three boats was dispatched to reinforce the rescue team.”

“Additionally, another vessel, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy helicopters, and one Nigerian Airforce helicopter were deployed for the Search and Rescue mission.”

“Eventually, all 59 crew were rescued successfully, but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Conmander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, paid the supreme price.”

“He fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation, which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of July 29, 2024, to 10am on July 30, 2024.”

“The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Lieutenant Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.”

“Lieutenant Commander Gwaza was a well-trained combat diver whose painful death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel towards the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered.”

On his part, the Publisher of Kristina Reports, Godswill Jumbo expressed his deepest regrets at the death of Lt. Cdr. Gwaza, who he described as “a fine officer and friend of my people, the Bonny people”, noting that “he has paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for protecting the people of Bonny, Andoni and Opobo areas”.

“I have been on several operations to cover the activities of the Navy FOB and he was a very professional, combat ready and yet gentleman officer. He was affable and accessible to all. He was always welcoming to guests at the Base in Bonny.”

“No doubt, his death underscores the severe risks our security operatives face in the efforts at providing security for all of us. Bonny, in particular will miss him.”

A resident of Akiama Community, location of the NN FOB Bonny, who only identified himself as Ibifubara, said “I know him as a good man. He was a fine gentleman, a nice officer, who if you meet him in mufti, you won’t believe he is a soldier. So nice”.

Another resident of Bonny, who identified himself as Udoma, narrated how he was rescued by the late officer from hoodlums.

“I was going home, and these bad boys accosted me. I think he was on his way home from the Base when he saw us. He stopped and shouted at them to let go of me. As they ran away, I thanked him and went home safely. This is someone who never knew me from Adam.”

As the Base Operations Officer at the FOB Bonny, Lt. Cdr. Gideon Yashim Gwaza led several operations that saw to the restoration of sanity around the waterways, which included the Operation Delta Sanity, amongst others at the Cawthorne Channel, Andoni River, Opobo River, Bonny River, the Fairway Buoy, amongst others.