The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Adm. Idi Abass, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across the nation’s maritime environment.
Abass gave the assurance on Monday in Warri during his maiden familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta), where he was received by the Commander, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu.
Speaking with newsmen, the Naval Chief said the security situation in the Niger Delta had improved significantly, leading to increased crude oil production and boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
“The Nigerian Navy will continue to do everything possible to maintain the peace within our maritime environment to enable legitimate businesses to thrive. Nigeria relies heavily on crude oil production, particularly in the Niger Delta region,” he said.
Abass stressed that tackling the country’s security challenges requires a collective, societal approach, noting that the Navy and host communities depend on each other for effective operations.
“We cannot do without the community people, and the locals cannot do without the Navy. They know the terrain and provide critical intelligence,” he added.
He highlighted the Navy’s ongoing medical outreach programmes and distribution of palliatives aimed at strengthening relations with coastal communities.
Addressing personnel earlier, the CNS charged officers and ratings to uphold the Navy’s core values of professionalism, integrity and teamwork, reminding them that they remain custodians of the nation’s maritime domain.
Abass assured that hard work will be rewarded, while acts of indiscipline will attract strict sanctions.
