The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Idi Abbas, has charged commanders of the Nigerian Navy to leverage intelligence and modern technology to strengthen naval operations and enhance maritime security.
Abbas gave the charge during a strategic meeting with Flag Officers Commanding, commanders of tri-service operations, operational bases and logistics groups at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The CNS urged commanders to intensify operations aimed at defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and tackling all forms of criminality within the country’s maritime domain.
He said the engagement, held four months after he assumed office, was aimed at reviewing and repositioning naval operations in line with the Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
According to him, the meeting followed an extensive operational tour across various naval units and commands to interact with personnel and consult key stakeholders on ways to enhance operational effectiveness.
Abbas reaffirmed his vision of building a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting national security objectives in collaboration with other security agencies.
He commended the operational successes recorded under the Navy’s flagship maritime security mission, Operation DELTA SENTINEL, as well as other ongoing operations.
The naval chief said the increased deployment of intelligence-led and technology-driven operations had led to major seizures of stolen crude oil, destruction of illegal refining sites and arrests of suspected oil thieves.
He added that the efforts had also strengthened search-and-rescue operations and contributed to sustaining zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s waters.
According to him, the successes have boosted crude oil production and saved the country billions of naira that could have been lost to criminal activities.
Abbas assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the Navy through strategic investments aimed at strengthening naval operations and improving personnel welfare.
He also commended the contributions of the Nigerian Navy to ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across joint military theatres in the country.
The CNS urged commanders to sustain the operational tempo and deepen collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to consolidate existing gains.
He reiterated his command philosophy anchored on discipline, integrity, merit, accountability and personnel welfare, urging commanders to take responsibility for the personnel and resources under their command.
He emphasised that merit must be rewarded to motivate personnel and strengthen professionalism within the service.
