Nigerian Waters No Longer Haven for Economic Saboteurs – Navy
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has reiterated the service’s renewed commitment to confronting maritime saboteurs threatening Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Delivering a goodwill message at a special Juma’ah prayer in Abuja as part of activities marking the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ogalla declared that the Navy has intensified its operations to neutralize illegal activities undermining the nation’s maritime
Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, gave the assurance, saying, “With renewed strength and capability, we are going after maritime saboteurs. Our territorial waters must no longer provide safe haven for economic criminals,” the Naval Chief stated.
He attributed the successes recorded in recent months to the unflinching support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the acquisition of modern platforms and improved personnel welfare have significantly enhanced the Navy’s capacity to perform its constitutional mandate.
The Naval Chief emphasized that national unity remains the foundation of Nigeria’s strength and called on all citizens to remain law-abiding and prayerful during this challenging period in the country’s history.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity, despite our diverse backgrounds. This is captured in the Nigerian Navy’s motto — ‘Onward Together’. As we celebrate this anniversary, I urge all personnel to rededicate themselves to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork,” he said.
Ogalla also charged officers and ratings to use the anniversary as a moment of introspection and recommitment to service, discipline, and national development.
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The Juma’ah prayer is one of several religious and ceremonial events scheduled for the 69th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy, with interdenominational services and naval exhibitions also planned across various commands.
He said that Nigerians should expect the best from the navy with the new platforms acquired by the government, which include ships, helicopters, and others.
He said the central programmes for the Navy Week would take place in Lagos with interdenominational church service on May 25 at the Navy town, followed by the sailing competition Gulf Kitty, and inauguration of some projects and the newly acquired platforms.
In his closing remarks, the CNS prayed for the continued peace and progress of Nigeria, urging citizens to support the armed forces in its efforts to secure the country and defend its economic interests, particularly in the maritime domain.
On his part, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who addressed the media shortly after the Juma’ah prayer, commended the Nigerian Navy for its commitment and operational achievements in recent months. He described the 69th anniversary as not just a celebration of longevity, but a testament to the Navy’s evolving capacity to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain.
Matawalle noted that the successes being recorded by the Nigerian Navy are a reflection of the renewed drive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthen national security through investment in military assets and personnel welfare.
“What we are witnessing today is part of the result of Mr. President’s deliberate and strategic efforts to reposition the Armed Forces to better protect Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly in the maritime sector,” the minister added.
PRNigeria reports that the Nigerian Navy has, in recent years, scaled up its anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations, leading to increased seizures, arrests, and a visible decline in maritime crime along the Gulf of Guinea.
By PRNigeria
