From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to decisively tackle maritime saboteurs threatening Nigeria’s territorial waters.
He made this known in a goodwill message delivered during a special Juma’ah prayer held in Abuja on Friday, part of the activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, the CNS emphasized that the Navy has intensified its operations to dismantle illegal activities undermining the nation’s maritime security.
“With renewed strength and capability, we are going after maritime saboteurs. Our territorial waters must no longer provide safe haven for economic criminals,” Rear Admiral Dewu said.
Vice Admiral Ogalla attributed the Navy’s recent successes to the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the acquisition of modern platforms and improved personnel welfare as key contributors to enhanced operational capacity.
He stressed the importance of national unity, describing it as the bedrock of Nigeria’s strength. “Our strength as a nation lies in our unity, despite our diverse backgrounds. This is captured in the Nigerian Navy’s motto — ‘Onward Together.’ As we celebrate this anniversary, I urge all personnel to rededicate themselves to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork,” he said.
The CNS further charged officers and ratings to use the anniversary as an opportunity for recommitment to service, discipline, and national development.
The Juma’ah prayer is one of several religious and ceremonial events scheduled to commemorate the 69th anniversary, alongside interdenominational services and naval exhibitions across various commands.
He assured Nigerians of improved maritime security and operational excellence with the new assets recently acquired by the government, including ships and helicopters.
According to him, major activities for the Navy Week would take place in Lagos, beginning with an interdenominational church service on May 25 at Navy Town, followed by the Gulf Kitty sailing competition, project inaugurations, and a formal unveiling of newly acquired platforms.
The CNS also prayed for continued peace and progress in Nigeria, calling on citizens to support the armed forces in their efforts to secure the nation and defend its economic interests, particularly within the maritime domain.
Also speaking to journalists after the prayer session, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, commended the Nigerian Navy for its commitment and operational strides in recent months.
He described the 69th anniversary not just as a celebration of longevity, but as a testament to the Navy’s evolving capability to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime territory.
Matawalle noted that the Navy’s achievements reflect the renewed vigor under President Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritized the strengthening of national security through strategic investment in military assets and personnel welfare.
“What we are witnessing today is part of Mr. President’s deliberate and strategic efforts to reposition the Armed Forces to better protect Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly in the maritime sector,” Matawalle stated.