New Naval Chief, Abbas targets fleet upgrade, tech to curb maritime crimes

The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, Thursday assumed office, promising to strengthen maritime security, enhance navy’s operational capability through aggressive fleet renewal and use of technology to combat maritime crimes within the nation’s territorial waters. .

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Abuja, Abbas acknowledged that despite significant progress, the nation’s maritime domain still face threats such as crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking.

To address these challenges, the CNS said his tenure will focus on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, use of technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, as well as deepening inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.

He said, “I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by the scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing and drug trafficking.

“These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability and prosperity of our dear nation.

“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach focusing on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, enhancing the operational capability of our fleet through aggressive fleet renewal, use of technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, as well as fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.

“Specifically, serious attention will be given to the imperatives of jointness with sister services and close cooperation with relevant security agencies in the conduct of operations towards tackling the pervasive security threats confronting our dear nation. ”

Abbas who described his appointment as a privilege expressed gratitude to the President for the trust bestowed upon him to lead the Navy, just as he vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and loyalty to the nation.

“I am eternally grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding me worthy to lead the Nigerian Navy.

“I am humbled by the trust bestowed upon me and fully recognise the responsibilities this esteemed office carries. As I assume command, I, by God’s grace promise to uphold the proud traditions of excellence and service that define our Navy. I am fully aware of the immense responsibilities associated with this role, and I commit to executing my duties with unwavering dedication, integrity, fairness and loyalty to the Nigerian nation,”  he said.

The CNS reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to protecting the country’s maritime domain, which he described as the nation’s economic lifeline.

He charged naval personnel to rededicate themselves to the Service core values of discipline, integrity, professionalism, and teamwork, promising to lead from the front and ensure officers welfare remain top priority.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that our waters are safe for legitimate commerce and the exploration of our blue economy. I demand the highest standards of discipline and moral conduct from every one of you. In return, I promise to lead from the front, to listen, and to ensure that your welfare remains top priority.

“The journey ahead is a collective one that requires cooperation and synergy with other security agencies and the unwavering commitment of every member of the Nigerian Navy. I am confident that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief and the solidarity of all Nigerians, we shall steer the Nigerian Navy towards a more glorious future.

“I wish to reiterate that the Nigerian Navy under my watch will be a professional and accountable institution. We all know that the maritime domain is the lifeline of our economy, and the Nigerian Navy is fully committed to safeguarding it for national prosperity, ” he said.

Abass also commended his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla for his leadership and service, which he said had laid a solid foundation for continued progress is Navy.