CNS Ogalla Urges Navy Troops to Crush Insurgents in Lake Chad
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has called on naval personnel stationed at the Baga Naval Base in Borno State to take the battle directly to insurgents hiding in enclaves around Lake Chad.
During an operational visit to the base in Kukawa Local Government Area on Saturday, Ogalla applauded the troops for their recent successful engagements against fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly repelling a recent attempted attack on the base.
“I am here on an operational tour to Naval Base Lake Chad and, by extension, the Theatre Command Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK). This base is a vital strategic outpost for the Navy’s contribution to counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast,” Ogalla said.
He commended the courage of the naval personnel for the significant damage inflicted on ISWAP during the attempted assault on their base.
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“ISWAP suffered heavy casualties during their last attempt to overrun this base. If they ever consider coming back, they’ll certainly think twice. But beyond defending, our duty is to take the war to them — destabilize their networks, scatter their formations, and deny them any operational space,” he added.
Vice Admiral Ogalla revealed that additional military assets, including manpower and advanced combat equipment, would soon be deployed to further boost operations in the region.
He also assured the troops of continued government support, stating, “President Bola Tinubu and the military leadership remain firmly committed to the welfare and needs of our troops. The necessary resources are being mobilized to support you in this critical mission.”
The CNS, who was accompanied by the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
“The battalion here and the Navy base must operate as brothers-in-arms. We are fighting a common enemy, and only through cooperation can we sustain and build upon the gains we’ve achieved,” he stressed.
He also urged the personnel to remain vigilant and uphold morale. “Encourage one another, communicate effectively, and keep your spirits high. That determination is key to defeating the enemy,” Ogalla advised.
By PRNigeria
