The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, on Thursday formally assumed office with a strong commitment to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economic stability.
Speaking during the handing-over ceremony at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Abbas—who becomes the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff—acknowledged that the nation’s maritime domain remains under threat despite previous gains in maritime security.
“Our maritime environment continues to face the scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking,” Abbas said. “These crimes undermine our national economy and energy security while threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities.”
Outlining his strategic agenda for the Navy, Abbas promised to focus on strengthening maritime security, upgrading fleet capacity through aggressive renewal and technological adoption, enhancing personnel training and welfare, and deepening collaboration with other security agencies and international partners.
“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable approach,” he said. “We will foster inter-agency synergy, regional cooperation, and technological innovation to ensure our waters are safe and secure.”
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment, Abbas described his elevation as “a privilege and a call to service,” pledging dedication, integrity, and loyalty in discharging his duties.
“I am eternally grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief for finding me worthy to lead the Nigerian Navy,” he stated.
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Rear Admiral Abbas also paid tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, commending his “visionary leadership and dedication,” which he said provided a solid foundation for continued progress within the Navy.
He urged officers and ratings to uphold the service’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork, emphasizing that discipline and accountability would remain non-negotiable.
“I will lead from the front and ensure that the welfare of naval personnel remains a top priority,” he assured. “The Nigerian Navy will continue to safeguard our maritime space and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the blue economy.”
President Tinubu had last week announced a major shake-up in the Armed Forces, appointing new service chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as part of efforts to reposition the nation’s security architecture.