Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, officially assumed office on Thursday, pledging to intensify efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes that threaten Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Navy Headquarters in Abuja, Abbas, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, acknowledged that despite past achievements, Nigeria’s maritime domain continues to face significant threats, including sea robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities that jeopardize national security and economic growth.

To address these challenges, he outlined key priorities for his tenure: strengthening maritime security operations, upgrading fleet capabilities through modernisation and technology, focusing on personnel training and welfare, and enhancing collaboration with other security agencies.

“I am fully aware that our maritime environment continues to face challenges from crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking,” Abbas said. “These crimes undermine our national economy, energy security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. My tenure will be guided by a strategic approach that emphasizes maritime security, fleet enhancement, personnel development, and inter-agency collaboration at national, regional, and international levels.”

Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Abbas vowed to serve with dedication, integrity, and loyalty. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Kechukwu Ogala, whose “visionary leadership” laid a strong foundation for the Navy’s continued progress.

Abbas encouraged naval personnel to uphold integrity, professionalism, and teamwork, assuring them that their welfare will remain a top priority. “I will lead from the front and ensure your welfare remains a priority,” he said, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s waters and supporting the growth of the blue economy.

In his farewell address, Vice Admiral Ogala highlighted the Navy’s achievements under his leadership over the past two years and five months. He noted the significant improvement in maritime security, including the absence of piracy incidents following Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s Global Piracy Report in March 2022.

Ogala also recounted successes in combating crude oil theft through Operations Delta Sanity and Delta Sanity II, which led to the deactivation of over 800 illegal refining sites and 5,515 storage facilities, as well as the arrest of 240 suspects and 76 vessels.

He added that the Navy’s fiscalisation duties at major oil and gas export terminals enhanced transparency, contributing to a record increase in oil production.

Ogala highlighted fleet recapitalisation, including the acquisition of two survey vessels, 57 riverine boats, seven fast patrol boats, six insurrection patrol crafts, three tugboats, two capital ships, five transport helicopters, five logistics barges, and 23 unmanned aerial vehicles. He also noted progress in indigenous shipbuilding, with Seaward Defence Boats 4 and 5 nearing completion at the Naval Dockyard.