The Newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas has formally taken over from his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla in Abuja.
The ceremony took place at the Headquarters, Nigerian Navy on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.
It was a session in the Nigerian Navy (NN) that witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of another with the handover of the reins of command by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla to the recently appointed Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbass.
The colourful event witnessed the Signing of Handover and Takeover Notes; decoration of the CNS with the Admiralty Medal; handover of the Ceremonial Binoculars; handover of the Nigerian Navy Ensign as well as the Ceremonial Lowering and Hoisting of the Admiral’s Flag.
In his remarks, the former CNS, who served as the 22nd indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, expressed gratitude to Almighty GOD for all the growth and successes of his naval career which took him to the zenith as CNS.
He noted that his 29 months in office was a giant stride that witnessed monumental achievements with a sustained Zero-Piracy Status.
In his inaugural remarks, the CNS, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, shortly after taking over gave the assurances of working tirelessly to ensure that the waters are safe for legitimate commerce and the exploration of our blue economy.
Therefore, he demanded from the naval personnel, the highest standards of discipline and moral conduct from them. In reciprocity, would ensure that their welfare remains a top priority.
According to Abbas, “The journey ahead is a collective one that requires cooperation and synergy with other security agencies and the unwavering commitment of every member of the Nigerian Navy. I am confident that with the support of the Commander-in-Chief and the solidarity of all Nigerians, we shall steer the Nigerian Navy towards a more glorious future.
Rear Admiral Abbas observed that he was not unaware that “our maritime environment remains threatened by the scourge of crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing and drug trafficking.
“These crimes”, he added, “not only undermine our national economy and energy security, but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the economic stability and prosperity of our dear nation.
“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach focusing on strengthening maritime security and combating illegalities, enhancing the operational capability of our fleet through aggressive fleet renewal, use of technology, prioritising training and personnel welfare, as well as fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration.
“To all officers, ratings, and civilian staff, the task ahead is demanding, but it is not insurmountable. I call on you to rededicate yourselves to the core values of our service, which are; Integrity, Professionalism, and Teamwork,” the CNS reiterated.
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