JUST IN: Nigerian Navy Welcomes New Chief, Vows Strong Action Against Oil Theft

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, took office on Thursday and promised to step up efforts to combat maritime crimes endangering Nigeria’s economy, such as illicit bunkering and the theft of crude oil.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged that despite significant progress, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes that endanger national security and economic prosperity continue to threaten Nigeria’s maritime environment.

In order to tackle these issues, the naval chief announced his tenure’s top priorities, which include strengthening cooperation with other security agencies, prioritizing personnel welfare and training, boosting fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased use of technology, and improving maritime security.

“I am aware that a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking continue to threaten our maritime environment,” he declared. The livelihoods of our coastal towns, the stability and prosperity of our beloved country’s economy, and energy security are all at risk due to these crimes.

“My tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach to confront these challenges decisively. This approach will prioritize training and personnel welfare, strengthen maritime security and combat illegalities, enhance our fleet’s operational capability through aggressive fleet renewal use of technology, and foster inter-agency synergy, regional, and international collaboration.”
As the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff, I stand before you today with humility and thanksgiving to God. “I will always be appreciative to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief, for believing that I am qualified to command the Nigerian Navy,” he declared.

The naval head praised Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, his predecessor, for his “visionary leadership and service,” which he claimed had established a strong basis for the Navy’s ongoing advancement.

He emphasized that discipline and accountability will always be crucial and urged navy personnel to uphold the service’s essential characteristics of honesty, professionalism, and teamwork.

“I pledge to take the initiative and make sure that your well-being always comes first. reassuring Nigerians that the Navy will put up endless effort to protect the country’s seas and promote the expansion of the blue economy,” he stated.

According to reports, President Bola Tinubu named new service heads for the Army, Navy, and Air Force this week as part of a significant reorganization in the Armed Forces.