Rear Admiral Idi Abbas officially assumed duty as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja. During the handover ceremony, he outlined his commitment to intensifying the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes that continue to affect the country’s economy.
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Abbas stated that Nigeria’s maritime environment remains under threat from illegal activities such as oil theft, sea robbery, unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking, all of which endanger national security, energy stability, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
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To address these challenges, he announced that his administration will focus on improving maritime security, strengthening fleet capability through renewal and technology, and ensuring the welfare and continuous training of naval personnel. He also noted that his leadership will promote closer cooperation with other security agencies, regional bodies, and international partners to boost efficiency in naval operations.
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The new naval chief described his appointment as a privilege and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the role. He pledged to serve with integrity, dedication, and loyalty to the nation, while building on the achievements of his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Nkechukwokala, whose leadership, he said, laid a strong foundation for the Navy’s growth.
Abbas urged naval officers to maintain discipline, teamwork, and professionalism in carrying out their duties. He assured them that their welfare will remain a top priority under his command and reaffirmed the Navy’s readiness to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime territory and contribute to the growth of the blue economy.
His appointment came after President Tinubu approved a new set of service chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force as part of a major reorganization in the Armed Forces last week.
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