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Tag: Navy

  • CNS Restates Nigerian Navy’s Resolve To Safeguard Territorial Waters

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has restated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to safeguard the country’s territorial waters and critical national asset.

    Abbas stated this during the inauguration of key infrastructure projects at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

    Represented by Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Abbas said the Nigerian Navy had continually played a significant role in combating maritime crimes and ensuring security within the Gulf of Guinea through various operations and security initiatives.

    “We are to get a more efficient, more optimise Nigerian Navy to ensure that the maritime security is improved in Nigeria and economic prosperity.

    “The Nigerian Navy is currently celebrating 70 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, and commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and protecting critical national assets,” Abbas said.

    The projects inaugurated were a newly constructed 2 by 2 Senior Rating Accommodation, remodelled NNS Jubilee Galley, and NNS Jubilee Ship’s bell.

    Abbas said the key infrastructure projects at NNS Jubilee was aimed at improving the living and working conditions of personnel.

    The CNS also said that the projects were part of activities lined up to commemorate the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Navy.

    Abbas said the projects also formed part of ongoing efforts by the Naval Headquarters to improve welfare standards across units and formations.

    The CNS said the personnel welfare remained a top priority of his administration, adding that adequate accommodation and conducive working environments were essential factors in maintaining high morale, discipline, and operational readiness among officers and ratings.

    He said that the inauguration of the accommodation facility and other remodelled projects at NNS Jubilee would help to reduce accommodation challenges within the Base while enhancing the comfort and efficiency of personnel in the discharge of their duties.

    He emphasised that improved welfare directly translated to increased motivation and operational effectiveness.

    The event also featured the cutting of the commissioning ribbon and the unveiling of the project plaques by the representative of the CNS, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, signifying the formal inauguration of the projects for use by personnel of NNS JUBILEE

    Abbas commended the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, and personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment towards ensuring the successful execution of the projects.

    He urged personnel to make proper use of the facilities and maintain them responsibly.

    The event ended with the inspection of facilities, signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs with senior officers and personnel of the Base.

  • Navy hands over 3 Ghanian stowaways to immigration

    Navy hands over 3 Ghanian stowaways to immigration

     

    Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Commander, NNS BEECROFT.

     

     

    By Oladapo Udom

    Lagos:  The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Wednesday handed over three suspected Ghanian stowaways, rescued from a merchant vessel, MT ANATOLIA, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

    The Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that the handover formed part of ongoing collaborative efforts between security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety and security.

    Adams-Aliu said this during the handing over of the stowaways which took place at NNS BEECROFT parade ground, Apapa, Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) describes a stowaway as a person who conceals himself aboard a vessel with the intent of travelling illegally to another country without authorisation.

    The commodore said that the NIS would be responsible for transferring the suspects to the Ghanaian Embassy after proper judicial procedures.

    “The suspects were discovered on Saturday, concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel, while the ship was berthed at Dangote Terminal, Lagos.

    “They were safely evacuated from the compartment and conveyed to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling.

    “Initial findings identified the suspects as Armah Peter, 26; Amisah Daniel, 22, and Amoh Michael,25, all male nationals of Ghana,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu said that investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly lived and engaged in fishing activities for about one year.

    “Further inquiry reveal that, with the aid of a canoe, they gained access to the rudder compartment of MT ANATOLIA with the intention of illegally travelling to Europe.

    “After several hours at sea, believing they had arrived at their intended destination, they alerted the vessel’s crew, leading to their detection and subsequent rescue,” he said.

    The commodore urged parents, guardians and authority figures within the society to advise their youths against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally.

    “As we can see today, this advice extends beyond Nigerian society to neighbouring countries in the West Coast of Africa,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu said that NNS BEECROFT, under his command, would continue to actualise the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.

    According to him, the mission is to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing effectively to joint operations in defence of national sovereignty and the maintenance of internal stability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Navy donates 2-bedroom bungalow to family of deceased personnel in Abuja

    Navy donates 2-bedroom bungalow to family of deceased personnel in Abuja

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja:  The Nigerian Navy has donated a two-bedroom bungalow to the family of a deceased personnel, Leading Seaman, Aliyu Aminu.

    Aminu paid the ultimate price in the battle front in January 2025 in Zamfara.

    The bungalow located in Karshi Abuja was handed over to his widow, Mrs Sahadatu Aminu, on Tuesday, by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, represented by the Director, Veterans Affairs, Rear Adm. Raheem Taofeek.

    In his remarks, Abbas said the gesture was part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to support families of fallen personnel and boost morale among serving officers.

    He also said it was in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by the fallen hero in his service to the nation.

    Abbas said the donation was a symbolic but significant effort to honour and immortalise personnel who paid the supreme price.

    According to him, these gestures are aimed at appreciating, eternalising and recognising the ultimate sacrifices made by our fallen heroes.

    ”It is because of their selfless service that we are able to sleep peacefully and wake up safely every day.”

    The CNS assured that the Navy would continue to prioritise the welfare of its personnel by providing the necessary support and conducive environment for effective service delivery.

    He called on Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stressing that national security remained a collective responsibility.

    Abbas also commended officers, ratings and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the project.

    Earlier, Rear Adm. Peter Zakaria, who represented the Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited, said the initiative was part of the Nigerian navy’s welfare drive to boost the morale of its personnel.

    Responding, MWO Isah Daniel, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiary, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for the gesture, describing it as timely and deeply appreciated.

    Daniel described the gesture as a source of comfort and renewed hope for the family, noting that it came at a time of great loss and emotional pain.

    He said that though the occasion would have been one of pure celebration, the family remained consoled by the honour accorded to their departed loved one.

    He added that the donation had reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, adding that the intervention had provided the family with a ”soft landing” and a sense of belonging.

    He expressed appreciation to the Naval leadership and all those who contributed to making the project a reality, while praying for continued blessings upon the Armed Forces of Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Naval Chief reaffirms security drive in Lake Chad

    Naval Chief reaffirms security drive in Lake Chad

     

     

    Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to improving security around Lake Chad during a working visit to Borno State.

    During the visit, he assessed operations at the Lake Chad Naval Base and met with military commanders in Maiduguri before travelling to Baga.

    He said naval troops were making steady progress in clearing waterways and insurgents’ hideouts, reopening routes that were previously inaccessible.

    According to him, improved security has enabled fishermen, farmers, traders and transport operators to return safely, supporting the gradual revival of economic activities.

    Lake Chad, shared by Nigeria and neighbouring countries, has endured over a decade of insurgency, with security experts noting that sustained military dominance would significantly weaken terrorist activities in the region.

  • Just in: New Chief of Naval Staff assumes office, vows to end oil theft, illegal refining

     

     

    The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, on Thursday assumed office with a promise to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes threatening Nigeria’s economy.

    Abbas took over the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, as the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) at a handing and taking over ceremony held at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

    Speaking during the handing-over ceremony, he acknowledged that despite notable achievements, Nigeria’s maritime environment remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other maritime crimes that jeopardise national security and economic prosperity.

    To address the challenges, the naval chief unveiled priorities for his tenure, including improving maritime security, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive fleet renewal and increased use of technology, prioritising personnel training and welfare, and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies.

    He said, “I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and drug trafficking.

    “These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability and prosperity of our dear nation.l

    “To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach, focusing on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, enhancing the operational capability of our fleet through aggressive fleet renewal use of technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, as well as fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.”

    He described his appointment as a privilege and vowed to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and loyalty to the nation.

    “It is with humility and gratitude to God that I stand before you today as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff. I am eternally grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding me worthy to lead the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

    The naval chief paid tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Nkechukwokala, commending him for his “visionary leadership and service,” which he said had laid a solid foundation for continued progress in the Navy.

    He urged naval personnel to uphold the service’s core values of integrity, professionalism and teamwork, stressing that discipline and accountability will remain paramount.

    “I promise to lead from the front and ensure that your welfare remains a top priority. assuring Nigerians that the Navy will work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s waters and support the growth of the blue economy,” he said.

    It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, last week, as part of a major shake-up in the Armed Forces, appointed new service chiefs for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

  • Meet 25th Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Idi Abbas

    Meet 25th Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Idi Abbas

     

    THE appointment of Rear Adm. Idi Abbas as the 25th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and professionalism to the leadership of the Nigerian Navy.

    A seasoned Above Water Warfare specialist, Rear Adm. Abbas has spent more than three decades in service to the nation, distinguished by dedication to duty and a passion for maritime security.

    Born on Sept. 20, 1969, Abbas hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

    He began his educational journey at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, and later attended the Air Force Military School, Jos, from 1981 to 1986.

    In 1987, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 40 Regular Course and was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on 10 September 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

    A well-trained officer, Abbas has attended several military courses at home and abroad.

    These include the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course and Officers’ Long Course in Above Water Warfare at NNS QUORRA, as well as the Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

    He also attended the United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania in 2009 and is a graduate of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Course 23.

    Over the years, the new Naval Chief has held several command and staff appointments. He has served onboard various Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM, as a Watch-Keeping Officer.

    He was also Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later served as Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, NDA.

    His other notable appointments include Base Administrative Officer, NNS PATHFINDER; Maritime Guard Commander, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Commander, Task Group Operation TSARE TEKU; and Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command.

    He also served as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters, and Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Heritage Centre before his elevation to the position of Chief of Naval Staff.

    Rear Adm. Abbas has risen steadily through the ranks from Midshipman in 1996 to Rear Admiral on Sept. 10 2020.

    His career has been decorated with several honours, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Grand Service Star (GSS), and the Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM).

    He is a Fellow of the Defence College (fdc) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS).

    A calm, focused, and result-oriented officer, Abbas is widely respected for his professionalism and strategic leadership.

    Outside the uniform, he enjoys playing hockey and driving. He is married to Mrs Aisha Abbas, and they are blessed with two sons.

    The new naval chief is expected to bring renewed drive and operational focus to the Nigerian Navy as it continues its mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to national security. (NAN)

  • Naval Dockyard partners with MWP for maritime writing programme

    Naval Dockyard partners with MWP for maritime writing programme

     

     


    Lagos:  , The Naval Dockyard and The Maritime Writes Project (MWP) have partnered to launch a creative writing bootcamp focused on the Blue Economy to promote the maritime sector.

    Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shehu, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard, announced the kick-off of the programme in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday Mr Ezinne Azunna, the Project Coordinator for MWP, in Lagos on Wednesday.

    According to Azunna, 60 participants have been selected for the bootcamp which will train aspiring writers on topics related to the marine and blue economy.

    The training will be divided into two categories: a junior category for children aged 7 to 13, and a senior category for ages 14 to 60.

    The bootcamp will feature an opening ceremony attended by key industry stakeholders.

    Participants will also get a firsthand look at the maritime sector through a tour of the Naval Dockyard and a naval ship, an experience designed to immerse them in the subject and inspire their writing.

    The theme of the programme, “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy – Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes, and Coastal Adventures,” will provide participants with direct interaction with naval captains, a merchant vessel captain, a ship designer, and other experts.

    Azunna detailed the bootcamp’s schedule, which includes separate creative writing sessions for junior and senior participants, as well as the maritime tours.

    The programme will draw on mentors and faculty from reputable organisations such as the Western Naval Command, International Ocean Institute, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, and the United Nations Blue Schools Network, among others.

    The programme will include children from public schools and the coastal community, Makoko.

    The initiative builds on the success of a previous edition, which resulted in the publication of three books of short stories written by participants.

    The books are titled Three Dreams & a Beach and other Maritime Short Stories, The Surfer in Me and other Maritime Short Stories, and The Water Guard and other Maritime Stories.