…SAYS NN REMAINS A PILLAR OF NATIONAL RESILIENCE
The former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla (retd) has been officially pulled out from the force after over 34 years of meritorious service to the country.
The ceremony began at the NNS QUORRA Parade Ground with a decent and colourful parade by several detachments of the Nigerian Navy.
The pulling out on Thursday, 11th December, 2025, commenced from the parade ground, was led by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas with the entire Nigerian Navy family and other service chiefs in honour of his predecessor, Vice Admiral Ogalla (retd).
The dignified event marked the end of an illustrious naval career defined by patriotism, strategic foresight and exceptional leadership.
Among the dignitaries included the Chairman Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, many former Chiefs of Naval Staff, senior officers of the Armed Forces, officers of paramilitary institutions, government officials, captains of industry and members of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA).
In his emotional and reflective valedictory remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla (retd) expressed gratitude to God for His enduring grace throughout his distinguished career.
He pointed out that Nigerian Navy’s recent gains in maritime security, fleet expansion and personnel development formed the fulcrum of his cherished achievements during his leadership of the navy.
Ogalla disclosed that the Navy made unbelievable progress in combating crude oil theft, curbing piracy and strengthening security across critical maritime corridors. In addition, it expanded its operational footprint, as it took delivery of new platforms and advanced indigenous shipbuilding capacity in response to emerging threats in the maritime domain.
“The Navy strengthened maritime security, expanded its presence and improved its sustainability through enhanced platforms and local shipbuilding efforts. The gains were the product of coordinated actions across commands.”
Admiral Ogalla honoured the memory of fallen naval personnel, describing their sacrifice as the ultimate symbol of courage and unwavering devotion to the nation. He spoke with heartfelt sincerity about the immense support of his family, acknowledging the long absences, missed milestones and personal sacrifices that accompanied his decades of service.
He further reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian Navy’s growing operational capabilities, applauding the Service for its professionalism, adaptability and rising strategic relevance within the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
He expressed confidence in the current leadership of the Navy, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and enthused that the NN remains a pillar of national resilience, poised to confront emerging maritime security challenges with renewed vigour.
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