The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders of Nigerian Navy commands, units and establishments to intensify operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating criminal activities within the nation’s maritime domain.
Vice Admiral 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 on March 10, 2026.
The Naval Chief emphasised the need for commanders to leverage intelligence and technology in naval operations while upholding the Nigerian Navy’s core values of professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
The meeting, held four months after Vice Admiral Abbas assumed office, was part of efforts to review and reposition the Navy’s operational strategies in line with the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
He explained that the engagement followed his extensive operational tour of Nigerian Navy formations across the country, where he interacted with personnel and consulted key stakeholders to strengthen naval operations.
According to him, the initiative aligns with his vision of building 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.
The CNS commended the operational successes recorded under the Nigerian Navy’s flagship mission, Operation Delta Sentinel, noting that intelligence-led and technology-driven operations have led to major seizures of stolen crude oil, destruction of illegal refining sites and arrests of illegal bunkerers.
He added that the Navy’s enhanced operations have also improved search and rescue efforts, ensured zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s waters and contributed to increased oil production, saving the country billions of naira that could have been lost to criminal activities.
Vice Admiral Abbas also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Navy to ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across various joint theatres in the country.
He urged commanders to sustain the operational momentum and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that the gains recorded are not reversed.
The Naval Chief further reiterated his command philosophy, which centres on discipline, integrity, merit, accountability and personnel welfare, stressing that rewarding merit remains key to motivating personnel.
He also called on commanders to take personal responsibility for personnel and equipment under their command and ensure the judicious use of available resources to improve operational efficiency.
