CNS talks tough against maritime criminals, says Eastern area strategic for national security

From Judex Okoro, Calabar

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has stated that the Nigerian Navy will turn the tide against criminals in the maritime environment.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who stated this at the end of his familiarisation tour of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar, Tuesday, said: “We will face the challenges head-on to ensure that we turn the tide against the criminals when it comes to Illegalities in our maritime environment.

“Security is a collective responsibility for all of us, I can’t do it alone but with teamwork.

“The Eastern area is our strategic area when you talk about maritime domain and national security. So, the welfare of officers in this area is very paramount in our achieving our objectives.

“That is why I had to rush down here to embark on my first familiarisation visit starting from the Eastern area.

“This visit covers looking at our operational readiness, including facilities that will enhance the welfare of our personnel which inevitably leads to high morale and affects our operational efficiency”, he said.

The Chief of Naval Staff was accompanied by senior officers of the command including Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Read Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire.

Some of the facilities the naval Chief visited include the Rear Admiral E. I. Okon Navy War College Quarters, Navy Reference Hospital, Navy Hotels and Suites, the Akim Navy Quarters and the Nigerian Navy War College.