Rear Admiral Idi Abbas has officially taken the helm as the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff, pledging to lead a decisive and professional Nigerian Navy dedicated to protecting the nation’s maritime borders and enhancing the blue economy. Speaking at his inauguration in Abuja, Abbas vowed to confront maritime crimes such as crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, and drug trafficking that threaten Nigeria’s security and economic stability.
He emphasized a vision centered on strengthening maritime security through fleet modernization, embracing technology, improving the welfare of naval personnel, and fostering cooperation with other agencies and international partners. Abbas praised his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for laying a strong foundation and urged all naval officers and staff to renew their commitment to values like integrity, teamwork, and professionalism.
The outgoing CNS, Vice Admiral Ogalla, highlighted the Navy’s substantial achievements over the past two years significant reductions in piracy, deactivation of illegal refining sites, and fleet enhancements with new vessels, patrol crafts, helicopters, and drones. He expressed confidence in Abbas’s leadership to build on this progress.
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