Ogalla Takes Over as 22nd Naval Chief as Gambo Bows Out

Ogalla Takes Over as 22nd Naval Chief as Gambo Bows Out

Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla has assumed office as the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Ogalla succeeds Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo after over two years as Naval boss.

The outgoing Naval chief, Vice Admiral Gambo handed over all the symbols of the Navy to Ogalla at a handing and taking ceremony on Friday at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.

While taking over, the new Naval Boss promised to intensify efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining.

He said, “The task ahead of us is challenging. We continually face significant threats such as crude oil theft, the prevalence of illegal refineries, Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, piracy, sea robbery, piracy, various forms of trafficking, and other maritime crimes.

“These are not just threats to our maritime security, but also our economic stability and national development. But let me be clear: We are committed to tackling these security challenges head-on. We will intensify our efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining. We will enhance our capabilities to combat piracy and sea robbery and ensure the general safety of our maritime domain.

While thanking the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo, and other former service chiefs for their contributions to curbing insecurity, Ogalla said, “Indeed, I firmly believe that navigating the challenges of maritime security is a journey, not a destination.

“It will therefore require our unwavering commitment, steadfast resolve, and collective effort.

“With an ever-evolving mindset, continuous dedication to professionalism, fervent drive towards innovation, and an undying spirit of teamwork, I am confident that we can transform our maritime domain into a safer, more secure, and prosperous space for socio-economic activities to thrive in fulfillment of our constitutional mandate”, he said.

In his farewell address, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo who is confident of his successor said, “I am leaving you in the hands of a capable Chief of the Naval Staff”.

Gambo took time to highlight some of his achievements as the CNS in the last two years, said, “What is certain is that we proceeded with a single purpose to address the subversive and nefarious activities in our nation’s maritime domain.

“The devastating impacts of piracy, sea robbery, the proliferation of illegal refinery, brazen crude oil theft (COT), destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure as well as violent crimes such as kidnapping, hijack and attack on security forces, renewed our vigour to evolve more stringent operations concepts and strategies.

“To this end, we heightened our commitment to anti-piracy operations, anti-COT operations, choke point operations as well as riverine and swamp operations. To give impetus to this resolve, we embarked on massive fleet renewal, robust logistics management, acquisition of additional platforms, human capital enhancement, holistic infrastructural development, and effective collaboration with local and international partners.”

The new CNS however, solicits the cooperation of all personnel in ensuring the success of the service.

He said, “I am confident that with our collective efforts as exemplified by our motto Onward Together, we can overcome these challenges. we will write a new chapter in the illustrious history of the Nigerian Navy and build a Navy that is second to none, a Navy that our nation can be proud of.”