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By Philip Nwosu
The newly appointed Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, has pledged to apply intelligence and technology to ensure that maritime crimes are nipped in the bud.
Admiral Mustapha, promised to build upon the legacy established by his predecessors, emphasizing professionalism, discipline and technological innovation as the core of his leadership philosophy.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Mustapha underscored the strategic importance of the Command, describing it as the custodian and gateway to Nigeria’s primary maritime frontier — a vital asset in achieving the nation’s Blue Economy aspirations.
He assured that under his leadership, the Command would remain “professionally poised and always in the highest state of readiness,” aligning with the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategic directives and the Nigerian Navy’s core values.
Rear Admiral Mustapha identified five key pillars that would guide his administration: Professional Excellence, Operational Efficiency, Unwavering Discipline, Personnel Welfare, and Teamwork, adding that, “each and every officer and rating, from the youngest to the most senior, plays a vital role in the Command’s success.”
He further outlined plans to enhance the Command’s capabilities in intelligence, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to effectively counter maritime threats. The new FOC revealed that his administration would drive a technology and intelligence-based approach to naval operations across the Command’s area of responsibility — aimed at detecting, deterring, and denying criminal activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Rear Admiral Mustapha urged sub-unit commanders to demonstrate “initiative, innovation, and creativity” in maintaining operational superiority.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the confidence reposed in him, Mustapha said:
“It is with the highest sense of humility and gratitude to Almighty God that I assume command of this enviable formation. I am deeply conscious of the honour bestowed upon me and the immense responsibility it carries.”
He also paid tribute to past commanders of the Western Naval Command, particularly his immediate predecessor, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, whom he commended for meritorious service and several unparalleled achievements. Mustapha pledged to sustain and advance the Command’s enduring legacy of excellence.
He added that future operations would leverage cooperation with sister services, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen national maritime security.
“The nation’s eyes are on us, and I have absolute faith that we will not only meet, but exceed expectations,” he declared.
Earlier, the outgoing FOC, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the grace and strength that sustained him throughout his tenure.
“It is both a day of pride and reflection — pride in what we have collectively achieved as a Command, and reflection because this marks the end of one of the most fulfilling chapters of my service in the Navy,” he said.
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Oamen, who assumed command on October 22, 2024, highlighted the collective accomplishments of the Western Naval Command during his tenure, attributing them to the dedication, courage, and professionalism of officers, ratings, and civilian staff.
“Over these months, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated and selfless men and women in uniform,” he said. “Our officers provided strategic guidance, our ratings demonstrated resilience and commitment, and our civilian staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Each of you contributed in your unique way to every success we recorded.”
Rear Admiral Oamen commended the unity and teamwork that defined his leadership, noting that the Command’s success was anchored on the Nigerian Navy’s core values of loyalty, discipline, and service before self.
He also expressed appreciation to the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his guidance and encouragement, describing him as a source of inspiration throughout his service.
“It is with the highest sense of humility and gratitude to Almighty God that I assume command of this enviable formation. I am deeply conscious of the honour bestowed upon me and the immense responsibility it carries.”
He also paid tribute to past commanders of the Western Naval Command, particularly his immediate predecessor, Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, whom he commended for meritorious service and several unparalleled achievements. Mustapha pledged to sustain and advance the Command’s enduring legacy of excellence.
He added that future operations would leverage cooperation with sister services, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen national maritime security.
“The nation’s eyes are on us, and I have absolute faith that we will not only meet but exceed expectations,” he declared.
Earlier, the outgoing FOC, Oamen, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the grace and strength that sustained him throughout his tenure.
“It is both a day of pride and reflection — pride in what we have collectively achieved as a Command, and reflection because this marks the end of one of the most fulfilling chapters of my service in the Navy,” he said.
Oamen, who assumed command on October 22, 2024, highlighted the collective accomplishments of the Western Naval Command during his tenure, attributing them to the dedication, courage, and professionalism of officers, ratings, and civilian staff.
“Over these months, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated and selfless men and women in uniform,” he said. “Our officers provided strategic guidance, our ratings demonstrated resilience and commitment, and our civilian staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Each of you contributed in your unique way to every success we recorded.”
Oamen commended the unity and teamwork that defined his leadership, noting that the Command’s success was anchored on the Nigerian Navy’s core values of loyalty, discipline, and service before self.
He also expressed appreciation to the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his guidance and encouragement, describing him as a source of inspiration throughout his service.
Oamen was later pulled out of service, marking the end of his career in the Nigerian Navy.
