What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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helipolarbear
I see what you mean. the Dauphin helico of Caverton is #6128, build 1985. Not actually too old, but Nigeria I think has laws which don't allow helicos more than 18 years for import. But that is Nigeria my friend. Memories are short and corruption is long. It will not change.
Mayotte
This talk had happen for many years, just that now is more publicite. Actually the more worrying thing is possibilty of Obasanjo trying to stay for a third tour. This is what worries the Americans - maybe it will become unstable, then they will have reason to invade
Not like Zimbabwe, Nigeria has plenty of oil for America 
I see what you mean. the Dauphin helico of Caverton is #6128, build 1985. Not actually too old, but Nigeria I think has laws which don't allow helicos more than 18 years for import. But that is Nigeria my friend. Memories are short and corruption is long. It will not change.
Mayotte
This talk had happen for many years, just that now is more publicite. Actually the more worrying thing is possibilty of Obasanjo trying to stay for a third tour. This is what worries the Americans - maybe it will become unstable, then they will have reason to invade
Not like Zimbabwe, Nigeria has plenty of oil for America
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Hi SASless
Nice to see I made a well timed relocation. What really got my attention was when one of the local staff brought a Biafra Again poster to work. Not only did he bring it to work, but allowed an expat to see the poster before he placed it in his locker. It seems the old idea of an independent state controlling the Niger Delta is still alive and growing. Of course if the elected government is unable to hand the situation, well looks like the generals will be back in power! Who gets the oil money then? Good time to keep a low profile and your eyes open. You know these people will push just as far as possible before listening to authority. This appears to be a much more complicate situation than it might first appear. I just pray the Nigerian people don't have another Biafra style situation visited upon them.
Nice to see I made a well timed relocation. What really got my attention was when one of the local staff brought a Biafra Again poster to work. Not only did he bring it to work, but allowed an expat to see the poster before he placed it in his locker. It seems the old idea of an independent state controlling the Niger Delta is still alive and growing. Of course if the elected government is unable to hand the situation, well looks like the generals will be back in power! Who gets the oil money then? Good time to keep a low profile and your eyes open. You know these people will push just as far as possible before listening to authority. This appears to be a much more complicate situation than it might first appear. I just pray the Nigerian people don't have another Biafra style situation visited upon them.
Musket,
Seems there were lots of guys flying for the Biafrans in those days...you know the stories as well as I do.
Getting bored with what you are doing?
Seems there were lots of guys flying for the Biafrans in those days...you know the stories as well as I do.
Getting bored with what you are doing?
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lambs to the slaughter
So, Captain Kobo is finally bowing out and in his place CHC have put a lamb, fresh from Canada who has never worked in Africa, let alone the 'N' country Good luck to the grey shadow Did anyone see the cartoons about a British Prime Minister called John Major?
It seems CHC has a good 'huggy, touchy, feely' HRM manual with all the right phrases. What they don't have is anyone who is going to be in touch in Nigeria anymore. Say anything you like about koboman, even if the awful housing was down to him, at least he was prepared to put up with it like everyone else. It seems the new management want to do everyting at electronic arms length as well as real arms length while they stay well away in Canadian standard housing. Anyone thinking of going to work for CHC in Nigeria right now, would do well to wait, because I hear that there are a lot of really p*ssed of guys there and CHC will eventually be forced to up the ante if they're serious about their commitment to Nigeria (in which they have less than a 50% stake).
Bristow is little better and with a mass exodus of Antipodeans from Lagos they will also soon be in desperate straits. Wait as long as you can before deciding to go to Nigeria and you may, eventually, actually get paid what the job is really worth for putting up with the lousy housing and almsot total lack of any thought for personal security or leisure welfare.
Good luck to the grey shadow Did anyone see the cartoons about a British Prime Minister called John Major? It seems CHC has a good 'huggy, touchy, feely' HRM manual with all the right phrases. What they don't have is anyone who is going to be in touch in Nigeria anymore. Say anything you like about koboman, even if the awful housing was down to him, at least he was prepared to put up with it like everyone else. It seems the new management want to do everyting at electronic arms length as well as real arms length while they stay well away in Canadian standard housing. Anyone thinking of going to work for CHC in Nigeria right now, would do well to wait, because I hear that there are a lot of really p*ssed of guys there and CHC will eventually be forced to up the ante if they're serious about their commitment to Nigeria (in which they have less than a 50% stake).
Bristow is little better and with a mass exodus of Antipodeans from Lagos they will also soon be in desperate straits. Wait as long as you can before deciding to go to Nigeria and you may, eventually, actually get paid what the job is really worth for putting up with the lousy housing and almsot total lack of any thought for personal security or leisure welfare.
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One of the local staff brought a Biafra Again poster to work? And he showed it to de white man! Holy Moses, if this is true, then every expat should leave the country within 24 hours. This is definately more significant than the Danish cartoon saga. Where will it all end?
Warri, Nigeria is now a War Zone.....Hostile Fire Pay for Pilots???
Nigeria launches helicopter attack in oil delta
15 Feb 2006 19:10:11 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Segun Owen
WARRI, Nigeria, Feb 15 (Reuters) - The Nigerian military launched a helicopter gunship attack on targets in the oil-producing Delta state on Wednesday, and militants threatened to shoot down aircraft unless military flights stopped.
The attack was the first major military operation in the Niger Delta since a militant group staged a series of attacks against the oil industry, and hours after British Foreign Minister Jack Straw called on the Nigerian government to improve security in the delta.
Militants from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said the attack was against Ijaw communities in the Gbaramatu area of the state, but a Navy source said it was directed against oil barges suspected of being used in the theft of crude oil.
"A military helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Army attacked Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu area of Delta state firing rockets and machine guns at targets on land," the militants said in an email statement.
The helicopter took off from the Osubi airstrip in Warri, operated by Royal Dutch Shell <RDSa.L>, which militants said was meant to be a civilian airfield.
"Operators of civilian aircraft in this airfield will do well to advise Shell to desist from the practice of permitting the use of this airfield for military use," the militants said.
"We are very well capable of shooting down aircraft landing and taking off from this airstrip and may consider doing so should it be discovered that the use of this privately owned civilian airstrip for military operations is not discontinued."
CRUDE THEFT
Industry and government officials estimate that about 100,000 barrels a day, or 5 percent of Nigerian oil output, is stolen by well-connected Nigerian criminal gangs working with international syndicates.
The proceeds often go towards buying arms for gangs in the delta, fuelling a cycle of violence.
A boat taxi operator in Warri town said he thought Wednesday's attack might be directed against people who have opened a hole in a pipeline in that area operated by the state oil company which feeds the Warri refinery.
The 125,000 barrel-a-day refinery has been shut since last month because of the damaged pipeline.
After meeting with top Shell executives in Port Harcourt, at the other end of the delta, Straw said oil theft was going down, but added that more had to be done to reassure the international community and encourage investment in Nigeria. Some areas of the delta were still lawless, he added.
"There is a big security challenge. A lot of effective security enforcement depends very significantly on cooperation that can be achieved at a state level," Straw said.
"This delta covers a number of states. In some you have good quality leaders, in others less good quality. That is reflected in the security situation in the delta," he said.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which is fighting for more local control over the oil wealth, cut Nigerian oil output by 10 percent last month with a series of attacks on oil pipelines and plaftorms. They also kidnapped four foreign oil workers, including a Briton, for 19 days.
A military response had been expected because the militants, who are heavily armed and operate in speedboats with military-style efficiency, killed 14 soldiers in one attack on an oil platform on Jan. 13. (Additional reporting by Madeline Chambers in Port Harcourt and Tom Ashby in Lagos)
15 Feb 2006 19:10:11 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Segun Owen
WARRI, Nigeria, Feb 15 (Reuters) - The Nigerian military launched a helicopter gunship attack on targets in the oil-producing Delta state on Wednesday, and militants threatened to shoot down aircraft unless military flights stopped.
The attack was the first major military operation in the Niger Delta since a militant group staged a series of attacks against the oil industry, and hours after British Foreign Minister Jack Straw called on the Nigerian government to improve security in the delta.
Militants from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said the attack was against Ijaw communities in the Gbaramatu area of the state, but a Navy source said it was directed against oil barges suspected of being used in the theft of crude oil.
"A military helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Army attacked Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu area of Delta state firing rockets and machine guns at targets on land," the militants said in an email statement.
The helicopter took off from the Osubi airstrip in Warri, operated by Royal Dutch Shell <RDSa.L>, which militants said was meant to be a civilian airfield.
"Operators of civilian aircraft in this airfield will do well to advise Shell to desist from the practice of permitting the use of this airfield for military use," the militants said.
"We are very well capable of shooting down aircraft landing and taking off from this airstrip and may consider doing so should it be discovered that the use of this privately owned civilian airstrip for military operations is not discontinued."
CRUDE THEFT
Industry and government officials estimate that about 100,000 barrels a day, or 5 percent of Nigerian oil output, is stolen by well-connected Nigerian criminal gangs working with international syndicates.
The proceeds often go towards buying arms for gangs in the delta, fuelling a cycle of violence.
A boat taxi operator in Warri town said he thought Wednesday's attack might be directed against people who have opened a hole in a pipeline in that area operated by the state oil company which feeds the Warri refinery.
The 125,000 barrel-a-day refinery has been shut since last month because of the damaged pipeline.
After meeting with top Shell executives in Port Harcourt, at the other end of the delta, Straw said oil theft was going down, but added that more had to be done to reassure the international community and encourage investment in Nigeria. Some areas of the delta were still lawless, he added.
"There is a big security challenge. A lot of effective security enforcement depends very significantly on cooperation that can be achieved at a state level," Straw said.
"This delta covers a number of states. In some you have good quality leaders, in others less good quality. That is reflected in the security situation in the delta," he said.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which is fighting for more local control over the oil wealth, cut Nigerian oil output by 10 percent last month with a series of attacks on oil pipelines and plaftorms. They also kidnapped four foreign oil workers, including a Briton, for 19 days.
A military response had been expected because the militants, who are heavily armed and operate in speedboats with military-style efficiency, killed 14 soldiers in one attack on an oil platform on Jan. 13. (Additional reporting by Madeline Chambers in Port Harcourt and Tom Ashby in Lagos)
Ref the last para about the attack killing 14 soldiers: I may be wrong, but I think this was Benisede which is not a platform. For the benefit of those with no knowledge of the area, the majority of installations and hence helicopter destinations) are actually onshore, within the Delta. The tend to be on river banks in the swamp and/or in jungle clearings. The whole area is a network of rivers of varying sizes, hence the speedboat being the preferred method of transport for militants.
Regarding the gunships (they are basically Hinds, but I believe are the export version, Mil-35, so are not technically called Hinds!) I remember sitting in the crew room at Ogunu Helipad and hearing an unfamiliar signature of a helicopter approaching. I went out to look and was intrigued to see a 'Hind' coming in to land. As it taxied in an equally surprised crowd assembled to watch. It shut down and the crew jumped out and we asked what they wanted. They'd come for fuel, as arranged. First we knew of it. This is the Texaco Base? Er, No!
Hopefully their attacks are delivered with more accuracy!
Regarding the gunships (they are basically Hinds, but I believe are the export version, Mil-35, so are not technically called Hinds!) I remember sitting in the crew room at Ogunu Helipad and hearing an unfamiliar signature of a helicopter approaching. I went out to look and was intrigued to see a 'Hind' coming in to land. As it taxied in an equally surprised crowd assembled to watch. It shut down and the crew jumped out and we asked what they wanted. They'd come for fuel, as arranged. First we knew of it. This is the Texaco Base? Er, No!
Hopefully their attacks are delivered with more accuracy!
212man,
Correct me if I am wrong...did they not write one of those aircraft off on the ferry flight from Lagos to PHC....something about taxiing across a monsoon ditch or something?
I can see where this could get awfully cozy....NAF operating gunships off of the same heliports as Bristow and ACN aircraft...as the oil company aircraft shuttle soldiers, police officers, and haul their supplies to them. Reckon the Oppos will be able to draw the line between civlilans and military in that regard?
Some late model BK's with the right kit could make for some good fun there...FLIR, Nightsun with IR lens, NVG's... IR laser designator on the FLIR...some other Adult Toys....would be great fun.
Correct me if I am wrong...did they not write one of those aircraft off on the ferry flight from Lagos to PHC....something about taxiing across a monsoon ditch or something?
I can see where this could get awfully cozy....NAF operating gunships off of the same heliports as Bristow and ACN aircraft...as the oil company aircraft shuttle soldiers, police officers, and haul their supplies to them. Reckon the Oppos will be able to draw the line between civlilans and military in that regard?
Some late model BK's with the right kit could make for some good fun there...FLIR, Nightsun with IR lens, NVG's... IR laser designator on the FLIR...some other Adult Toys....would be great fun.
SASless,
yes they did. Number 6 in the formation was slow to taxy in turn, so took a short cut which happened to have a large drain in the way. The resulting, frantic, attempts to 'get out' resulted in a sudden exit which then led to blade strike and aircraft destroying itself on the apron. Sadly I didn't witness it, but had a first hand account from a somewhat bemused Dornier 328 pilot who had seen it all happen in front of him, from the cockpit. Amazingly there was no damage or injury (apart from to the NAF pilot's pride, I guess!)
This was the same year I went to find a NAF Dornier 228 that had run out of fuel and crash landed on the road about 0.5 nm NW of the refinery, in thick fog (in fact, I was with your namesake). Again, no injuries (apart from a very sad looking, wing-less Dornier) but the crew were indignant that we were suggesting we could help them! It was as if landing in a road and ripping your wings off was NAF SOP!!
yes they did. Number 6 in the formation was slow to taxy in turn, so took a short cut which happened to have a large drain in the way. The resulting, frantic, attempts to 'get out' resulted in a sudden exit which then led to blade strike and aircraft destroying itself on the apron. Sadly I didn't witness it, but had a first hand account from a somewhat bemused Dornier 328 pilot who had seen it all happen in front of him, from the cockpit. Amazingly there was no damage or injury (apart from to the NAF pilot's pride, I guess!)
This was the same year I went to find a NAF Dornier 228 that had run out of fuel and crash landed on the road about 0.5 nm NW of the refinery, in thick fog (in fact, I was with your namesake). Again, no injuries (apart from a very sad looking, wing-less Dornier) but the crew were indignant that we were suggesting we could help them! It was as if landing in a road and ripping your wings off was NAF SOP!!
Needless to say we should not talk about the two Dorniers that mated down at Eket one dusty day either!
Or the Police Air Wing 412 that flattened itself at PHC while hovering in....and running out of fuel.
Fond Memories....yes....Fond Memories.
Or the Police Air Wing 412 that flattened itself at PHC while hovering in....and running out of fuel.
Fond Memories....yes....Fond Memories.
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Hi Sasless and 212man
Good to hear the Hind's are still airworthy. The NAF pilots don't get nearly as many hours as the Shell contract pilots. Against a fixed target or speed boat you really don't need a lot of proficiency to be effective. However, airpower isn't really going to solve the problems in the Delta. Might just go a long way toward quieting things down for several months though. Keep those posts coming. I still enjoy following the action from afar.
Good to hear the Hind's are still airworthy. The NAF pilots don't get nearly as many hours as the Shell contract pilots. Against a fixed target or speed boat you really don't need a lot of proficiency to be effective. However, airpower isn't really going to solve the problems in the Delta. Might just go a long way toward quieting things down for several months though. Keep those posts coming. I still enjoy following the action from afar.
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Destroying barges loaded with oil doesn't do the environment any good. Guess the communities will ask the Navy for compensation, a) for creating a mess in their area, and b) for loss of revenue.
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Originally Posted by SASless
Needless to say we should not talk about the two Dorniers that mated down at Eket one dusty day either!
Or the Police Air Wing 412 that flattened itself at PHC while hovering in....and running out of fuel.
Fond Memories....yes....Fond Memories.
Or the Police Air Wing 412 that flattened itself at PHC while hovering in....and running out of fuel.
Fond Memories....yes....Fond Memories.
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Originally Posted by archos
One of the local staff brought a Biafra Again poster to work? And he showed it to de white man! Holy Moses, if this is true, then every expat should leave the country within 24 hours. This is definately more significant than the Danish cartoon saga. Where will it all end?
Hi Archos
A flippant cavalier attitude has historical been the way most pilots have looked at the problems in The Delta. As the owner of a gas guzzling American V-8 powered SUV I strongly agree. We certainly wouldn't want production costs going up due to, increased pilot pay and benefit, or increased security expenses. You have my 100% agreement.
My previous post was suggesting that there might be a deeper problem than a few criminal gangsters, bunkering oil, kidnapping for ransom, and using threats of violence to get their way from the National Government. I certainly didn't mean to imply that I or the individual with the poster, are significant enough to influence or control the situation in The Delta.
"de white man". Archos my brother,this is the 21st century. I will pray that God helps you see other people as your fellow man. Not some ethnic or racial sterotype. Until that time may God bless and protect you.
Cheers
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Hi Stacy S
I believe it was a little foggy the morning the two 228's decided to make their landings only to be trucked out weeks later. Thought the first ran off the end of the runway with the second making a sharp left turn, attacking the fence.
Long time no hear or see you. How's things with your family? Hope the religious situation in your part of the world is peaceful.
Cheers,
I believe it was a little foggy the morning the two 228's decided to make their landings only to be trucked out weeks later. Thought the first ran off the end of the runway with the second making a sharp left turn, attacking the fence.
Long time no hear or see you. How's things with your family? Hope the religious situation in your part of the world is peaceful.
Cheers,
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Hi Archos,
We are in complete agreement on this one. The environment of the Delta has suffer far to many oil spills. I thing all groups have to share some of the responsibility for the sad state of affairs. I do mean ALL, not just the companies and government, but those that damage pipelines and spill oil while bunkering. The people of the Delta do have many old and legitimate complaints. This gets back to my original point of something more than just a few criminals being the cause of this problem.
I doubt the villagers will want money from the Navy. They will probably expect Shell to pay. Since extracting money from Shell will be much easier than the Navy.
I just hope there will be a peaceful long term solution found before things really get out of hand.
Cheers
We are in complete agreement on this one. The environment of the Delta has suffer far to many oil spills. I thing all groups have to share some of the responsibility for the sad state of affairs. I do mean ALL, not just the companies and government, but those that damage pipelines and spill oil while bunkering. The people of the Delta do have many old and legitimate complaints. This gets back to my original point of something more than just a few criminals being the cause of this problem.
I doubt the villagers will want money from the Navy. They will probably expect Shell to pay. Since extracting money from Shell will be much easier than the Navy.
I just hope there will be a peaceful long term solution found before things really get out of hand.
Cheers
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What's new in West Africa
As a continuation of 212 mans comment on the Hind destroying itself at Osubi, I arrived the day after and all there was left was a pool of oil and various spare parts scattered around the airfield.A large amount of debris had gone over the terminal and landed in a large carpark on the other side.When the army and police arrived shortly thereafter the first thing they did was to start beating up people in the carpark!Why? Who knows.They were there and so must have been involved! The social chaos theory was perfected in Nigeria.Hear the 155's are grounded for a while until the threats recede??
I do miss the place though.
I do miss the place though.
The Dale "Trellis Climber" Moon...Scourge of Ruperts!
How's the old fart getting along these days?
How's the old fart getting along these days?
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Originally Posted by SASless
The Dale "Trellis Climber" Moon...Scourge of Ruperts!
How's the old fart getting along these days?
How's the old fart getting along these days?
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Family Accomodations in West Africa?
What do the pilots do for their families when working in Nigeria? Are all the pilots single/divorced or are they just geographic bachelors with their families back home? I'd be interested in working in Nigeria, but I'd have to have my family secure. Thanks for the info.