The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on Saturday undertook a one-day operational visit to Borno State to assess the operational readiness of Nigerian Navy personnel and boost the morale of frontline troops battling insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
Vice Admiral Ogalla’s first port of call was the Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC), where he commended officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy for their bravery and resilience in the ongoing war against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists. His visit followed the successful repelling of a terrorist attack on the base by personnel in the early hours of Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The gallant troops neutralised several insurgents and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers.
While addressing the troops, the CNS vowed that the Nigerian Navy would intensify operations in the region. “We will henceforth take the fight to the terrorists and decimate their hideouts on the fringes of Lake Chad,” he declared.
The CNS later paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. During the visit, Vice Admiral Ogalla assured the Governor of the Navy’s renewed commitment to securing the Lake Chad area. He announced the immediate deployment of additional personnel and equipment to the NBLC and directed the launch of a waterway-clearing operation using swamp buggies provided by the state government.
In response, Governor Zulum lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sustained efforts in safeguarding the state. He particularly commended the Navy personnel at NBLC for their resilience and sacrifice in confronting the terrorist threat. The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for all security agencies working to restore peace and normalcy in Borno.
The CNS also visited naval personnel injured in the recent encounter with terrorists and currently receiving treatment. He empathised with them and assured that the Navy would ensure they receive comprehensive medical care.
The morale of the troops was visibly lifted by the CNS visit, which was described as timely and encouraging.
Vice Admiral Ogalla was accompanied on the visit by senior naval officers, including the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferriera; the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral O.K. Oluwagbire; and the Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu.
On his arrival in Maiduguri, he was received by the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General A.E. Abubakar, who also joined the CNS entourage.
