Navy decorates 29 Rear Admirals, warns against colluding with crude oil thieves

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has vowed to sanction personnel caught colluding with oil thieves or sabotaging security agencies efforts in the fight against crude oil theft.

Admiral Ogalla gave the warning during the decoration of 29 newly promoted Commodores to the rank of Rear Admiral in Abuja.

He said despite the huge number of annual enlistments, only the most dedicated and loyal rise to the apex of the profession.

The Naval Chief said the 29 Rear Admirals were selected among their equals based on merit and proven track record in the service.

“It behooves on you to justify this confidence by contributing your best to the service. I congratulate you for being among the selected few that made it to this enviable rank. Note that while it takes hard work to reach this height, it takes harder work to remain there”.

“As I celebrate with each of you, I urge you to justify the confidence the Service and the Nation has reposed on you”.

The CNS charged the new flag officers to be more dedicated and display unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Constitution in order to address the myriad of security challenges confronting the country.

“Your ingenuity, resourcefulness and integrity will be required to reposition the Service in the years ahead”

Vice Admiral Ogalla noted that the Navy in collaboration with other security agencies have continuously strived to protect the economic mainstay of the country through various operations to counter oil theft.

He said while there are significant achievements, “there are still cases of personnel colluding with criminals to undermine our efforts. Let me therefore, warn that any form of collusion with criminals or act of sabotage will be met with stiff sanctions in accordance with the law. In essence, as leaders of the Service, you are expected to be above board and ensure that your subordinates key into the zero-tolerance stance of the Nigerian Navy to all forms of illegalities and criminalities at sea or ashore particularly oil theft”.

The Minister of State for Defence Dr Muhammad Bello Matawalle said the occasion marks a significant milestone in their career and serves as a testament of exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the nation.

The Minister asked them to acknowledge the immense responsibility that comes with this promotion especially with regards to ongoing efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure security within Nigeria’s maritime area of interest.

“The nation relies on the Nigerian Navy to curtail these dynamic and ever-evolving maritime security threats. As newly promoted Rear Admirals, you are entrusted with an even greater responsibility to serve our nation with unwavering commitment and excellence. Therefore, your well deserved promotion demonstrates the trust and confidence placed on you to tackle these challenges head-on”.

He assured of the President’s commitment and dedication to supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian Navy fleet modernization, capacity building, and strategic planning to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the service.

The Minister commended the officers for their hard work, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.

“Your exceptional leadership has not only earned you this promotion but has also set a sterling example for your peers and subordinates to follow” he said.

He therefore, charged them to embrace the new roles with humility, integrity, and a strong sense of duty.

“Your promotion signifies a higher level of responsibility, and I have full confidence in your ability to lead with excellence.”