The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, has highlighted that the current security challenges in Nigeria are not unique to the country but are part of a global concern that demands innovative strategies for containment.
Vice Admiral Ogala made these remarks during the graduation ceremony of participants in Naval Warfare Course 7 in Calabar.
He emphasized that the prevailing insecurity worldwide is a result of hostile actions by both state and non-state actors aiming to destabilize sovereign nations.
Consequently, he stressed the need for sovereign nations to develop long-term and robust strategies for conducting regular operations to counter these threats effectively.
The CNS acknowledged the active involvement of the Nigerian Armed Forces in various operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He noted that these operations encompass efforts to combat insurgency in the North-East, address banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, and respond to secessionist agitations in the South-East.
Vice Admiral Ogala commended the dedication and contributions of the security forces in the nationwide fight against insecurity, highlighting their significant impact on enhancing national security, both in maritime domains and hinterlands.
He congratulated the course participants and urged them to remain committed to their core responsibilities of addressing insecurity in the nation’s territorial waters.
He emphasized the importance of effectively applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the course, particularly in planning and conducting operations in the maritime environment.
Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, the Commander of the Naval War College, provided further details about the course, stating that 22 officers participated, including a Captain from the Cameroonian Navy.
He noted that a total of 97 officers have participated in the course since its introduction by the college in 2017.
The Nigerian Naval War College was established to bridge command, leadership, and management gaps in naval officers’ career progression.
Additionally, it serves as a center of excellence for naval operations, joint military operations, and maritime security studies.
The Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Bassey Otu, expressed his appreciation for the college’s commitment to providing leadership and management training for naval officers.
He pledged ongoing support from the state government for the college’s activities.