Navy chief urges commanders to boost intelligence-driven maritime operations

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has urged naval commanders to intensify operations against maritime crime and strengthen the defence of the country’s territorial waters.

During a strategic meeting with senior commanders at Naval Headquarters in Abuja on 10 March, he called on officers to make greater use of intelligence and technology in naval operations.

According to a statement signed by Captain A.A. Folorunsho, the Acting Director of Naval Information, the meeting brought together flag officers commanding, tri-service operation commanders and leaders of naval logistics groups.

The statement said the naval chief reviewed ongoing operations and commended the successes recorded under Operation DeltaSentinel and other missions aimed at tackling oil theft and maritime crime. The navy said increased intelligence-led operations had led to seizures of stolen crude oil, the destruction of illegal refining sites and arrests of suspected oil thieves, while also improving search and rescue efforts.

Vice Admiral Abbas also praised the navy’s contributions to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country. He urged commanders to maintain operational momentum, work closely with other security agencies and uphold the service’s core values of professionalism, integrity and accountability.