By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has charged Commanders of Nigerian Navy commands, units, and establishments to intensify naval operations to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combat all forms of criminality in its maritime environment.
He made the call during a strategic meeting with Flag Officers Commanding, Commanders of Tri-Service Operations, Operations Bases and Logistics Groups, at the Naval Headquarters on 10 March 2026.
The Chief of the Naval Staff reaffirmed the importance of upholding the Nigerian Navy’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork.
His strategic engagement with the Commanders, 4 months after assuming command of the Navy, was aimed at rejigging all Nigerian Navy operations across all spectrums as outlined in the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
It followed an extensive operational tour embarked to engage directly with personnel across all NN units and consult with key stakeholders to enhance the Nigerian Navy’s operations, which aligns with his vision to develop a modern, agile, and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime interests and advancing national security objectives, in synergy with other security agencies.
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in a statement by Captain AA Folorunsho, Acting Director Naval Information, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), also commended the operational successes of the Nigerian Navy’s flagship operation, Operation DELTA SENTINEL, along with other similar operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy.
The CNS lauded the increase in intelligence-led and technology-driven naval operations, which have resulted in major seizures of stolen crude oil, the destruction of illegal refining sites, arrests of illegal bunkerers and improved search-and-rescue operations by the Nigerian Navy.
He stated that these efforts have ensured zero piracy in Nigeria’s waters, boosted oil production, and saved the nation billions of Naira that could have been lost to criminal elements.
He assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to support the Nigerian Navy through strategic investments that strengthens naval operations and enhances personnel welfare.
The CNS also applauded the significant contributions of the Nigerian Navy in ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across all joint theatres in the country.
He charged Commanders to sustain the effort and continue to collaborate with sister services and other security agencies.
The CNS stated that the expectations from the presidency to the NN are high and the Commanders are to work assiduously to accomplish all assigned tasks.
He further emphasised the need to sustain the operational tempo and ensure the gains are not eroded.
At the meeting, the CNS reiterated his command philosophy, emphasising discipline, integrity, merit, accountability, and personnel welfare as key tenets.
Drawing on his leadership ethos, the CNS stated that merit must be rewarded to serve as motivation for others.
He further urged Commanders to take personal responsibility of the men and material placed under their care, using allocated resources to better the system.
