The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), on Thursday, 8 January 2026, continued his operational inspection of Nigerian Navy Ships, Units and Establishments under the Eastern Naval Command in Cross River State.
As part of the Day Two activities of his tour, Vice Admiral Abbas visited critical naval facilities in Calabar, where he assessed operational readiness and interacted with officers and ratings of the Command.
The CNS began the day with a visit to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, where he was received by the Commander, Captain VC Igboezue. He undertook a detailed tour of the hospital to evaluate its medical capabilities, service delivery capacity, operational challenges and ongoing infrastructural upgrades.
Thereafter, the CNS held an interactive session with officers and ratings at the Nigerian Navy Primary School Hall, Ikot Ansa, Calabar. Addressing personnel, Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed that welfare remains a core priority of his leadership. He disclosed that deliberate, structured and sustainable measures are being implemented to bridge identified welfare gaps, improve living conditions and strengthen support systems across all Ships, Units and Establishments.
He commended the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Donald Okehie, alongside officers and ratings of the Command, expressing satisfaction with their professionalism and noting the absence of adverse reports. The CNS emphasised professionalism, discipline and integrity as the key pillars of his Command Philosophy, describing them as essential to operational efficiency, service reputation and mission success.
Vice Admiral Abbas also inspected accommodation facilities at the Naval War College Quarters, Summit Hill, Calabar, where the Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral MA Muye, briefed him on existing logistical and structural challenges. The CNS assured that appropriate interventions would be initiated to address the challenges in line with his commitment to personnel welfare and enhanced operational readiness.
The inspection tour continued at Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA, where the CNS was received by the Commanding Officer, Commodore AG Abdullahi. The Commanding Officer briefed him on the Base’s peculiar operational challenges and recent achievements. Commending the Base for its successes, Vice Admiral Abbas assured that the identified challenges would be addressed promptly to further strengthen maritime security operations in the area.
The visit underscored the CNS’s resolve to sustain operational effectiveness, improve welfare and reinforce professionalism across the Nigerian Navy.
