The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has once again demonstrated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to personnel welfare by donating a fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow to the family of a fallen naval rating, Able Seaman Fire Controller 3 John-Jaja.
The building, located at Navy Estate, Karshi, Abuja, was officially handed over to the family on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. The CNS was represented at the brief but emotional handover ceremony by Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters.
It would be recalled that Able Seaman John-Jaja died in the line of duty on 3 September 2024 during a clearance operation at Amiyi Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. He was manning a 12.7mm gun on a gun truck when his team was ambushed. He bravely defended his colleagues until he was fatally hit in the firefight.
Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral Ahmed stated that the Nigerian Navy would continue to prioritize the welfare of its personnel, especially the families of those who paid the supreme price. He noted that the sacrifice of gallant officers like John-Jaja would never be forgotten.
“Their bravery and dedication in the face of battle are the bedrock upon which national security is built. The loss of a naval rating in the line of duty is a profound tragedy, affecting not only their immediate family but also the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria at large,” he said.
In her remarks, the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Merit John-Jaja, expressed deep gratitude to the CNS and the Nigerian Navy for the support and compassion extended to her family during a difficult time.
Also present at the event were top naval officers, including the Executive Director, Administration/Human Resources, Navy Holdings Limited, Rear Admiral Muhsin Yahaya Abba (representing Rear Admiral Zakariyyah Shaku Muhammad); Director of Administration, Rear Admiral KB Effiong; Managing Director/CEO, Naval Building and Construction Company Limited, Rear Admiral BH Sabo; and Director, Veteran Affairs, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral A. Alade.
The gesture by the CNS has brought comfort and a sense of belonging to the bereaved family, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to not leaving behind the families of its fallen heroes.
