Nigerian Navy will Intensify war against Oil Theft, End Illegal Refining, Combat Piracy- New CNS, Ikechukwu Ogalla; Hails Vice Admiral Gambo over Fleet Recapitalization

New Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla said that the Nigerian Navy under his leadership will intensify efforts to curb crude oil theft, put an end to illegal refining and enhance capabilities to combat piracy/sea robbery

Ogalla made this disclosure at the handing and taking over ceremonies between him and his predecessor in Abuja on Friday.

His words, “To us still in Service, the journey is far from over. The task ahead of us is challenging. We continually face significant threats such as crude oil theft, prevalence of illegal refineries, Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, sea robbery, piracy, various forms of trafficking and other maritime crimes.

“These are not just threats to our maritime security, but also to our economic stability and national development.

“But let me be clear: We are committed to tackling these security challenges head-on. We will intensify our efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining. We will enhance our capabilities to combat piracy and sea robbery and ensure the general safety of our maritime domain.

“I firmly believe that navigating the challenges of maritime security is a journey, not a destination. It will therefore require our unwavering commitment, steadfast resolve, and collective effort.

“With an ever-evolving mindset, continuous dedication to professionalism, fervent drive towards innovation, and an undying spirit of teamwork, I am confident that we can transform our maritime domain into a safer, more secure, and prosperous space for socio economic activities to thrive in fulfillment of our constitutional mandate.

“To achieve this, I solicit the cooperation of all personnel. Each one of us has a crucial role to play in ensuring the success of our Navy and I am confident that with our collective efforts as exemplified by our motto Onward Together, we can overcome these challenges.

“I urge you all to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication in your duties. Together, we will write a new chapter in the illustrious history of the Nigerian Navy and build a Navy that is second to none, a Navy that our nation can be proud of.”

On his predecessor, he said, “As I step into this role, I am mindful of the significant achievements of my predecessor Vice Admiral AZ Gambo.

“Under his able leadership, the Nigerian Navy has made remarkable strides in safeguarding our maritime domain, protecting our national interests, and contributing to regional peace and stability.

“Most auspiciously are the fleet recapitalization efforts culminating in the hosting of a Presidential Fleet Review, infrastructural development milestones and gladly as a hydrography officer, the establishment of the National Hydrographic Agency amongst several significant achievements are worthy of mention.

“Sir, your dedication, strategic vision, and tireless efforts have set a high standard for all of us in the Nigerian Navy.

“I therefore salute your service and commitment to our dear nation and accord you best wishes and pray for your good health in your well-earned rest in retirement.

While thanking the Almighty God and President Bola Tinubu for his appointment as the 22nd Indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy, the CNS said, “I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.

“I must state that Mr President’s unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of our dear nation is an inspiration to us all.

“I am acutely aware of the immense responsibility that comes with this position, and I am committed to serve our nation with utmost dedication and integrity. I assure Mr President, that I will do my utmost to uphold the trust he has on me.”

Earlier, the outgone CNS, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo said, “The NN has a leading role to play in combating maritime crimes to safeguard the nation’s prosperity and wellbeing of the citizenry. The adverse impact of these crimes was and remains enormous and we concluded that they should be decisively addressed.

“The intents of the then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his expectations of every one of us were quite clear. In acknowledgement of that presidential charge, the Service resolved to frontally confront illegal bunkering and crude oil theft, piracy and other criminal activities in the maritime environment.

“Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR upon his assumption of office, reiterated the need for the Service to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor. All along as your CNS, I have braced up to the responsibility of leading this presidential directive.

“Hence, I have always shared my expectations such that all officers, ratings and civilian staff were able to adhere to high standards of discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, teamwork and professionalism. Equally, I implored you to be on the right side of history by being part of the solution to the challenges of the Service and the nation. In view of all this, I promised you purposeful and responsive leadership.

“Today, we have come to a full circle, but this occasion will not provide an ample time to give a full account of my stewardship or take adequate stock of the journey, thus far.

However, what is certain is that we proceeded with a single purpose to address the subversive and nefarious activities in our nations’ maritime domain.

“The devastating impacts of piracy, sea robbery, proliferation of illegal refinery, brazen crude oil theft (COT), destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure as well as violent crimes such as kidnapping, hijack and attack on security forces, renewed our vigour to evolve more stringent operations concepts and strategies.

To this end, we heightened our commitment to anti-piracy operations, anti-COT operations, choke point operations as well as riverine and swamp operations.

” To give impetus to this resolve, we embarked on massive fleet renewal, robust logistics management, acquisition of additional platforms, human capital enhancement and holistic infrastructural development and effective collaboration with local and international partners.”

“Our determination to face the several maritime security challenges would have been weakened if not for the immense support we received from the various quarters. Let me first of all, give gratitude to Almighty Allah for His guidance, protection and providence all through the journey.”