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By Philip Nwosu
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders of the Nigerian Navy to intensify operations aimed at defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating criminal activities within the nation’s maritime environment.
Abbas gave the directive during a strategic meeting at the Naval Headquarters Nigeria with Flag Officers Commanding, commanders of tri-service operations, operational bases and logistics groups.
The naval chief emphasised the need for commanders to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Navy—professionalism, integrity and teamwork—while executing their operational responsibilities.
The meeting, which took place four months after Abbas assumed office as Chief of the Naval Staff, was convened to review and strengthen naval operations across all spectrums in line with the Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
It followed an extensive operational tour by the naval chief to various naval units and commands, during which he engaged personnel and consulted with key stakeholders to enhance the service’s operational efficiency.
According to Abbas, the engagements align with his vision of building a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests while working in synergy with other security agencies to advance national security objectives.
The naval chief also commended the operational successes recorded under Operation DELTA SENTINEL and other naval operations.
He noted that the increased use of intelligence-led and technology-driven operations had led to significant breakthroughs, including the seizure of stolen crude oil, destruction of illegal refining sites and the arrest of suspected oil thieves.
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Abbas added that the Navy had also strengthened search-and-rescue operations and contributed to improved maritime security, which he said had resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s waters in recent times.
According to him, these efforts have helped boost national oil production and saved the country billions of naira that could have been lost to criminal elements.
He further assured that the Federal Government remained committed to supporting the Nigerian Navy through strategic investments that would strengthen operations and improve personnel welfare.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also commended the Navy’s contributions to ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across various joint theatres in the country.
He urged commanders to sustain the momentum and continue collaborating with other branches of the armed forces and security agencies to achieve national security objectives.
Abbas also reiterated his command philosophy, stressing discipline, integrity, merit, accountability and personnel welfare as key pillars of leadership within the Navy.
He added that rewarding merit would serve as motivation for personnel, urging commanders to take personal responsibility for the men and resources under their command and ensure they are effectively utilised to improve operational efficiency.
