Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, officially took on his new role on Thursday. He committed to strengthening efforts to combat issues such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes that pose a threat to Nigeria’s economy.

During the handover ceremony, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff recognized that, although there have been significant accomplishments, Nigeria’s maritime domain continues to face threats from crude oil theft, piracy, unlawful fishing, drug smuggling, and other maritime crimes that pose risks to the nation’s security and economic growth.

He said, “I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by a scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and drug trafficking.

“These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability and prosperity of our dear nation.

“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach, focusing on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, enhancing the operational capability of our fleet through aggressive fleet renewal use of technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, as well as fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.”