CNS Tasks Commanders to Leverage Intelligence, Technology in Naval Operations
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Idi Abbas, has charged commanders of the Nigerian Navy to intensify operations and leverage intelligence and modern technology to strengthen maritime security and combat criminal activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Abbas gave the charge during a strategic meeting with Flag Officers Commanding, commanders of tri-service operations, operational bases and logistics groups at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting, which held on March 10, was aimed at reviewing and strengthening naval operations across all spectrums in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
Addressing the commanders, the naval chief emphasised the need to uphold the core values of professionalism, integrity and teamwork while sustaining operational momentum in securing the nation’s maritime domain.
The engagement, which came four months after Abbas assumed office as Chief of the Naval Staff, followed an extensive operational tour across various naval formations and units.
According to him, the tour provided an opportunity to interact directly with naval personnel and consult with key stakeholders in order to improve operational effectiveness across the service.
He explained that the strategic engagement aligns with his vision to build a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting national security objectives in collaboration with other security agencies.
Abbas also commended the operational achievements recorded under the Nigerian Navy’s flagship anti-crude oil theft campaign, Operation Delta Sentinel, as well as other maritime security operations carried out across the country.
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He noted that increased reliance on intelligence-led and technology-driven operations had enabled the navy to record significant successes, including major seizures of stolen crude oil, the destruction of illegal refining sites and the arrest of suspected oil thieves.
The naval chief added that improved operational coordination had also enhanced search-and-rescue missions and contributed to the elimination of piracy incidents in Nigerian waters.
According to him, these efforts have helped boost national oil production while preventing the loss of billions of naira that could have been siphoned by criminal networks involved in illegal oil activities.
Abbas further assured that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Navy through strategic investments aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and improving personnel welfare.
He also commended the contributions of the Nigerian Navy to ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across various joint military theatres in the country.
The CNS urged commanders to sustain collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to consolidate the gains recorded in joint operations.
He reminded them that expectations from the Presidency regarding the performance of the Nigerian Navy remain high, stressing the need for commanders to remain focused on achieving assigned tasks.
Abbas also reiterated his command philosophy anchored on discipline, integrity, merit, accountability and personnel welfare.
He emphasised that merit must be rewarded within the service to motivate personnel and encourage professionalism across all levels of command.
The naval chief further urged commanders to take personal responsibility for the personnel and resources under their command, noting that effective management of available assets is crucial to strengthening the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Navy.
By PRNigeria
