The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged Nigerian Navy personnel to rededicate themselves to the fight against oil theft and other maritime crimes.
According to The PUNCH, he made this call during the 68th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy, where he commended their efforts and urged them to sustain their momentum.
Represented by Rear Admiral Zakariya Mohammad, Ogalla emphasized the importance of the Navy’s policing role in combating oil theft, which has enabled Nigeria to meet its OPEC quota.
He praised the personnel for their dedication and urged them to continue upholding their vow to serve the nation with renewed focus and enthusiasm.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, recently disclosed that the military has arrested 1,437 suspected oil thieves, neutralized 363, and destroyed 3,051 illegal oil production pits, among other achievements.
Ogalla assured Nigerians that the Navy’s efforts would be sustained, and he encouraged personnel to remain prayerful, steadfast, and faithful.
Ogalla said, “We implore personnel to rededicate themselves to the service so that the Navy will be able to perform its statutory roles which are military, policing, and diplomatic. Of course, the policing role has become important in that the Nigerian Navy has been contributing in the fight against oil theft which has enabled the country to attain the quota allocated by OPEC.
“We appreciate our personnel and we will want them not to rest on their oar. The personnel are expected to continue to rededicate themselves and uphold the vow to serve the nation to the best of their ability.
“As we celebrate, let us be of goodwill to one another, rededicate ourselves with renewed focus and enthusiasm towards achieving a prosperous future for the Nigerian Navy.”
Ogalla promised improved personnel welfare and operational efficiency through platform acquisitions and infrastructural development.
