Rear Admiral Idi Abbas on Thursday officially assumed office as the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, declaring an immediate and strong commitment to intensifying the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and the myriad of maritime crimes severely threatening Nigeria’s national economy. His appointment came last week as part of a major shake-up in the Armed Forces announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture. Speaking during the official handing-over ceremony at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja, Admiral Abbas expressed profound gratitude for the privilege to lead the Navy, pledging to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to the nation.
Acknowledging the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s territorial waters, Admiral Abbas stated that despite notable achievements by his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, the maritime environment remains under serious threat from organized criminal activities. He specifically cited “a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and drug trafficking,” stressing that these offences not only undermine the country’s economic security but also jeopardize the livelihoods of coastal communities and the broader stability of the nation.
To confront these deep-seated challenges decisively, the new naval chief outlined a clear and actionable strategic approach centered on three main priorities. The first is strengthening maritime security, which will be achieved through enhanced operational capability of the naval fleet, aggressive renewal programs, and the increased use of technology, including advanced surveillance methods like drones and Artificial Intelligence, as previously discussed during his Senate screening. The second priority focuses on personnel, emphasizing the need for continuous training and prioritized welfare for all officers and ratings. Finally, he stressed the critical importance of collaboration, pledging to foster inter-agency synergy, regional cooperation, and international partnerships to combat cross-border maritime criminality more effectively.
Admiral Abbas praised his predecessor, Vice Admiral Nkechukwokala, describing him as a visionary leader who laid a solid foundation for the service’s continued progress. He called on all naval personnel to uphold the core values of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork, insisting that discipline and accountability would remain paramount under his watch. Reassuring his team, he promised to “lead from the front” and ensure their welfare remains a top concern, concluding with a promise to Nigerians that the Navy will work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s waters and support the growth of the blue economy.
