CNS Speaks on Troops Welfare, Total Offensive on Crude Oil Theft

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

In a significant visit to key operational commands in the Niger Delta, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders to prioritize the welfare of their personnel while sustaining the offensive against crude oil theft and other illegalities.

The CNS issued the directive on Tuesday during an operational briefing at the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Addressing the command, Vice Admiral Abbas commended the efforts of the troops and urged the OPDS Commander not to relent in the critical mission of securing the nation’s maritime environment. He pledged the continuous support of the Nigerian Navy to the joint task force, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in achieving their objectives.

CNC FOC Rear Admiral Ibrahim, front-left, conducting the CNS around the facility

“The Navy will continue to support the OPDS,” the CNS assured. Later, the visit took on a personal tone as Vice Admiral Abbas moved to the Headquarters of the Central Naval Command (CNC), a formation he described as “home.” Recalling his previous tenure as the Command Administrative Officer, Chief Staff Officer, and later Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the CNC, the Naval Chief expressed his delight at returning.

“On the occasion of my first maiden visit to the command as CNS, I am highly delighted to be back ‘home’,” he stated.

He assured the officers, ratings, and civilian staff of his dedicated support, leveraging his intimate familiarity with the command’s operations. The CNS expressed his admiration for the visible developmental projects and the well-maintained aesthetics of the base, commending the FOC and his team for their excellent stewardship.

“I am impressed with the giant strides in developmental projects within the Command HQ. I commend the FOC and his team for maintaining the aesthetics of the Base,” Vice Admiral Abbas noted.

He concluded by thanking the entire CNC personnel for their resilience and dedication and offered a prayer for their continued protection in the discharge of their arduous duties.

The visit, marked by a spirit of camaraderie and forward momentum, reinforces the strategic focus of the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Abbas’s leadership.