CNS urges innovative thinking to combat maritime threats during maiden visit to ENC

Speaking during his maiden operational tour of the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Calabar on Wednesday, Vice Admiral Abbas challenged officers to think outside the box to stay ahead of emerging threats.

The CNS made the remarks after he was briefed by the command’s Operations Officer, Rear Admiral CE Oji, on the command’s current security posture, ongoing activities, and operational challenges.

He acknowledged the issues raised and assured that the Nigerian Navy will take appropriate measures to address them.

The CNS, accompanied by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) ENC, Rear Admiral CD Okehie during the two – day working visit also commissioned two newly constructed 12-by-1 Junior Rates Permanent Accommodation Blocks, designated Block A and Block B at the Nigerian Navy Barracks, Atimbo.

The commissioning ceremony, witnessed by personnel from sister services and security agencies, he said underscored the Navy’s commitment to improving the welfare and living standards of its operatives.

The CNS also conducted an inspection of critical naval assets and ongoing projects to gain an on-the-spot assessment of the Command’s capabilities.

Some of the projects inspected include the Nigerian Navy Barracks Akim, 1006 Navy Barracks, the Nigerian Navy Hotel and Suites site, the permanent site of the Naval War College Nigeria, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, the Eastern Fleet, and the NNS Victory Jetty.

The CNS noted that the tour was not limited to infrastructure inspection but aimed at evaluating ongoing operations and addressing personnel welfare concerns, which he described as essential to sustaining effective maritime security operations.

The visit concluded with a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu.

Governor Otu commended the Navy for its consistent operational readiness in the state.

He acknowledged the high level of security threats within the region but expressed confidence in the Navy’s capability to respond promptly and decisively to any challenge.