Navy decorates 29 Rear Admirals, warns personnel against colluding with oil thieves

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has warned naval personnel against colluding with criminals to perpetrate oil theft and other maritime crimes.

Ogalla gave the warning during the decoration of 29 Commodores promoted to the rank of Rear Admirals at Naval headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said stiff sanctions would be meted out to those found wanting.

He said, “The Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other security agencies have continuously strived to protect the economic mainstay of the country through various operations to counter oil theft.

“While there are significant achievements, there are still cases of personnel colluding with criminals to undermine our efforts.

“Let me therefore, warn that any form of collusion with criminals or act of sabotage will be met with stiff sanctions in accordance with the law.”

Ogalla, while congratulating the newly promoted Rear Admirals charged them to justify the confidence reposed on them by contributing their best to the growth of the Service and the nation at large.

He told the officers to be more dedicated in order to contribute their quota towards addressing the myriad of security challenges confronting the country.

“Your ingenuity, resourcefulness and integrity will be required to reposition the Service in the years ahead.

“As expected in every performance-oriented organisation, the quality of leadership in the Nigerian Navy is essential for the optimal realisation of its objectives. Hence, despite the huge number of annual enlistments, only the most dedicated and loyal rise to the apex of the profession.

“This cadre of flag officers would constitute the leadership of the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general. I want you to bear in mind that you were selected among your equals based on merit and your proven track record in the service”, he said.

“It beholds on you to justify this confidence by contributing your best to the service. I congratulate you for being among the selected few that made it to this enviable rank.

“Note that while it takes hard work to reach this height, it takes harder work to remain there. As I celebrate with each of you, I urge you to justify the confidence the service and the nation has reposed on you,” he said.

In his remarks, minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle, urged them to acknowledge the immense responsibility that comes with the promotion especially with regards to ongoing efforts by the federal government to ensure security within Nigeria’s maritime area of interest.

He said the nation relies on the Nigerian Navy to curtail the ever-evolving maritime security threats.

“As newly promoted Rear Admirals, you are entrusted with an even greater responsibility to serve our nation with unwavering commitment and excellence.

“Therefore, your well deserved promotion demonstrates the trust and confidence placed on you to tackle these challenges head-on,” he said.

While commending them for their hard work, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation, he urged them to be example to their peers and subordinates.

“Your exceptional leadership has not only earned you this promotion but has also set a sterling example for your peers and subordinates to follow.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to your families and loved ones. Their unwavering support, sacrifices, and understanding have contributed significantly to your accomplishments.

“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace your new roles with humility, integrity, and a strong sense of duty. Your promotion signifies a higher level of responsibility, and I have full confidence in your ability to lead with excellence,“ he said.