Piracy: Navy achieves significant milestone in 27 years — CNS

The Nigerian Navy says piracy in the maritime space has reduced drastically for the first time in 27 years.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, stated this on Friday during the inauguration of “Ratings Accommodation Blocks” at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA, Warri Naval Base.

Gambo, who was represented by Commodore Suleman Dahun, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, said that he had in his inaugural statement urged the officers and ratings to redouble their efforts in combating crimes in the waterways.

He noted that the effort was paying off, stressing that the officers and ratings would continue to be motivated to put in their best.

“I’m happy you acknowledged the fact that there has been quite  improvement in the security situation in the Niger Delta and indeed our water generally”

“This milestones has been recognised even by the International Maritime Group which recently said that piracy and other criminal activities in our waters have reduced drastically for the first time in 27 years”

“In my mission and vision statement, I charged our officers and men to among other things redouble their efforts at combating the menace of criminal activities in our waters”

“Am glad to say that under my leadership, officers and ratings have been motivated to put in their very best”

“This is what you are seeing in terms of significant gains and milestones in the improved maritime security” Gambo said.

The naval chief thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the Navy with the much needed financial and moral encouragement to achieve optimal performance in line with its constitutional mandates.

Gambo said the welfare of the officers and ratings was paramount to his leadership, adding that the project would motivate them to put in their best

“For officers and ratings to put in their best, their welfare has to be taking seriously. Am glad to emphasise that this is not just the only project that has been commissioned”

“We just left Yenagoa where we also inaugurated some vital projects. This welfare project will spur and motivate our officers and ratings to put in their best” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the renovated two blocks have three master’s bedrooms, self-contained rooms and 18 single rooms with detached toilets and bathrooms.

Those who attended the inauguration include Rear Adm. Kennedy Egbuchulam, Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Commodore Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, Commander, NNS DELTA among others.