By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, on Thursday assumed office with a pledge to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes threatening Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja during the handing-over ceremony, Abbas said his leadership would focus on enhancing maritime security, modernizing naval fleets through technology and renewal, improving personnel training and welfare, and deepening inter-agency collaboration.
He noted that despite notable progress, the nation’s maritime environment remains vulnerable to oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking, activities he described as major threats to national security and economic growth.
“These crimes not only undermine our economy and energy security but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities,” he said, adding that his tenure would pursue a “clear and actionable strategy” to curb them.
Abbas, who succeeds Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and praised his predecessor’s “visionary leadership” that strengthened the Navy’s operations.
He urged officers to remain disciplined and uphold integrity, professionalism, and teamwork, assuring them that their welfare would be a top priority under his command.
