The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla on Saturday gave a sweeping order to the troops to be merciless with terrorists and decimate them from their hideouts on the fringes of the Lake Chad.
He gave the charge on 21st June, 2025 during a one-day visit to Naval Base at Baga in Kakuwa Local Government Area of Borno State. He urged them to take the fight to the insurgents in their enclaves across the Lake Chad.
While hailing the troops for decimating Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during a recent operations when NN personnel effectively repelled an attack launched by some BHT/ISWAP terrorists and neutralized dozens of them in the process, he assured that the Naval Headquarters was already working on deploying additional fighting equipment and manpower to further support their efforts.
In his remarks, he said, “I am here on an operational visit to Naval Base, Lake Chad, and by extension to the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Theater Command Headquarters. This Base is one of the strategic Bases for the Nigerian Navy Contribution to Counter Insurgency in the Northeast.
“I have also come to commend the troops because of the efforts they put in ensuring that the enemy (ISWAP) suffered great casualties when they came to attack the Naval Base recently . If at any time they want to attack our Naval Base again, they will think twice because of the massive defeat they suffered.”
During the visit, the CNS paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and reassured the Governor that the NN will redouble its efforts towards securing the Lake Chad area by deploying more men and equipment to NBLC.
He also directed the immediate deployment of a Task Force to commence clearing of the water ways using the Swamp Buggies provided by the Governor.
In response the Governor commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for prioritising the security of Borno State and environs. In particular, he praised the NN personnel of NBLC who he described as resilient in the fight against the terrorists.
In his remarks, the Governor reiterated his commitment to work closely with all security agencies towards defeating the menace of terrorism in the state.
Thereafter, Admiral Ogalla visited all the injured personnel who were undergoing treatment in the hospital. He empathized with them with the assurance that every possible effort would be made to give them quality health care.
The CNS, whose visit was a morale booster to the troops in the frontline, was accompanied by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferriera, the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral OK Oluwagbire and the Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu.
Earlier, the CNS was received in Maiduguri by the Theater Command Operation HADIN KAI, Major General AE Abubakar who also joined his entourage.
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