The new Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, yesterday assumed office as the 22nd indigenous Naval Chief and vowed to curb crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
Recall that Ogalla took over the leadership of the Navy from Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo, who had been in command since January 2021.
In his remarks, the new Naval said the task ahead was still challenging, saying the nation had continually faced significant threats such as crude oil theft, prevalence of illegal refineries, reported and unregulated fishing, piracy, sea robbery, various forms of trafficking and other maritime crimes.
According to him, the menaces were not just threats to Nigeria’s maritime security, but also to her economic stability and national development.
“We are committed to tackling these security challenges head-on and we will intensify our efforts to curb crude oil theft and put an end to illegal refining.
“We will enhance our capabilities to combat piracy and sea robbery and ensure the general safety of our maritime domain,” Ogalla said.
The CNS expressed his commitment to serve Nigeria with utmost dedication and integrity.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, adding that the President’s unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of the nation was an inspiration for him.
The new CNS solicited the cooperation of all personnel in ensuring the success of the Navy and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to duties.
For his part, the outgone CNS, Rear Admiral Gambo said the Navy under him pursued a single purpose to address the subversive and nefarious activities in the nations’ maritime domain.
