The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has
charged troops of the Armed Forces deployed to the North-East to sustain commitment to counter-terrorism operations and security of Lake Chad waterways.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Adams-Aliu stated that the CNS gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the North East theatre of Operation Hadin Kai, where he (the CNS) celebrated New Year with the troops on Thursday.
He added that the CNS addressed the troops and commended their dedication and reassured them that operational gaps and logistic challenges would be addressed promptly to strengthen mission effectiveness.
He quoted Abbas as describing the troops’ deployment to the country’s extreme north-eastern border as “demanding but vital to national security.”
Abbas emphasised the need for enhanced waterway security and economic restoration, while taking a boat ride on the recently cleared Lake Chad to assess progress in reopening navigable routes.
The CNS also emphasised that “securing the Lake Chad region is critical to denying terrorists access to transport routes, disrupting supply lines, and safeguarding local livelihoods.”
He shared a new year meal with officers and men of NBLC and 196 Amphibious Battalion.
The Naval Chief reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to coordinated operations with sister services and security agencies to maintain pressure on terrorist networks in the North-East.
During an operational tour of the Headquarters, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Maiduguri, the CNS was briefed by Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. A.E. Abubakar, on ongoing challenges in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The briefing highlighted the success of joint operations by Land, Maritime, and Air Components in degrading terrorist capabilities, while acknowledging persistent threats of insurgent attacks on communities and military positions.
The visit highlighted operational achievements, ongoing security challenges, and strategic priorities, reinforcing Navy’s vision for a mobile, agile, and professional force dedicated to advancing national defence objectives and securing the nation’s maritime and border domains.
