By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders to prioritise personnel welfare while sustaining the offensive against crude oil theft and other illegalities.
The CNS gave the directive on Tuesday during an operational briefing at the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Commending the troops, he 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, emphasising the importance of strong leadership in achieving their objectives.
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.”
He expressed delight at returning, recalling his previous tenure as the Command Administrative Officer, Chief Staff Officer, and later Flag Officer Commanding (FOC). Addressing them, he stated: “On the occasion of my first maiden visit to the command as CNS, I am highly delighted to be back ‘home’”.
The CNS further assured the officers, ratings and civilian staff of his dedicated support, leveraging his intimate familiarity with the command’s operations. He expressed 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,” he added. “I commend the FOC and his team for maintaining the aesthetics of the Base.”
He also thanked the entire CNC personnel for their resilience and dedication, and prayed for their continued protection in the discharge of their arduous duties.
The visit, marked by a spirit of camaraderie and forward momentum, reinforced the strategic focus of the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Abbas’s leadership.
