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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Rear Adm Suleiman Ibrahim has assumed duty as the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa.
Rear Adm Ibrahim, who took over from Rear Adm Ahmed Gaya shortly after assuming duty, pledged to build on his predecessor’s achievements in fighting maritime crimes.
Upon assumption of duty, Ibrahim thanked God, while also commending the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for finding him worthy to take over leadership of the Central Naval Command.
Rear Adm promised to ensure that critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta region is secured for the nation.
“I want to use this opportunity to assure the Chief of Naval Staff and, by extension, Nigerians that I shall not abuse this privilege.
I understand and recognise the importance of the CNC in sustaining posterity and maritime security in this country, Nigeria.
I shall do everything within my means to uphold the standard that was established by my predecessor.
This shall be done by engaging other services and stakeholders, which will enhance the synergy that already exists within the command.”
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In his valedictory remarks, the former FOC, Rear Adm Ahmed Gaya, commended the Naval personnel at the CNC, noting that “our collective efforts in the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, IUU fishing, and other forms of criminality have yielded tangible results.”
According to him, through sustained operations, improved intelligence sharing, and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies and stakeholders, “we have successfully disrupted criminal networks and restored confidence in the nation’s waterways.”
He further said, “The outcome has been a notable increase in crude oil production. And a downward trend in crime and criminality in the Niger Delta.
Furthermore, the Command witnessed significant strides in fleet recapitalisation and renewal.
The acquisition and deployment of new platforms, alongside the refurbishment of the existing assets, have strengthened our patrol capacities, improved our response time, and enhanced the overall combat readiness of the Command.
These efforts have positioned the Central Naval Command as a formidable force in safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.
Beyond operations, we also prioritised personnel welfare, recreation, and capacity enhancement.
Through training, mentorship, and infrastructural improvement, we ensure that officers and ratings are better equipped to meet the demands of modern naval warfare and maritime security operations.”
