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Tag: Naval Chief

  • Naval chief reaffirms commitment to troops welfare, anti-oil theft operations

    Naval chief reaffirms commitment to troops welfare, anti-oil theft operations

    The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders in the Niger Delta to prioritise personnel welfare while sustaining pressure on crude oil thieves and other criminal networks in the region.

    Abbas gave the directive yesterday at a briefing at the headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He commended troops for their ongoing efforts, urging the OPDS Commander to maintain the tempo in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime assets. He also restated the Navy’s support for the joint task force.

    Read Also: 28 million Nigerian students lack access to digital skills – UNICEF

    The CNS later visited the Central Naval Command (CNC), which he once led as Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), describing the formation as “home”.

    Abbas said his familiarity with its operations would guide his continued support, commending the developmental projects and the upkeep of its facilities.

    Abbas thanked officers, ratings and civilian staff for their commitment and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.

  • Naval Chief assures of credible elections in 2019

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said yesterday that the Nigerian Navy, in conjunction with other sister services would provide formidable security architecture for credible, free and fair elections in 2019.

    The Naval boss who assured that the military would remain apolitical under the present democracy, enjoined officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to remain loyal to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.

    Vice Admiral Ibas made the remarks shortly after the 4th Quarters Route March of the Nigerian Navy at Mogadishu Military Cantonment, Abuja.

    The Naval boss was represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe -Enwo.

    Ibas who urged officers and men of the force to remain committed to their constitutional duties, noted that the route march was being organised to ensure that officers and men remain fit and ever ready for any assignment in line with their constitutional roles.

    He said: “I wish to restate the Nigerian Navy’s operational preparedness towards supporting formidable internal security architecture in conjunction with other stakeholders for a free, fair and credible election in 2019.

    “At this juncture, I therefore categorically state that the Nigerian Navy will continue to remain apolitical, loyal and committed to the unity of our dear nation under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    The CNS noted that the Nigerian Navy’s operational efficiency and combat readiness were premised on mental and physical fitness of its personnel.

    He said the successful conduct of the route march in Abuja and other NN formations attest to the Service’s willingness to continue to partner with other sister Services to defend the territorial integrity of the country.

    “The successful conduct of the Fourth Quarter Route March in Abuja Area and other Nigerian Navy formations attest to our readiness and resolve to unfailingly continue to partner with other sister Services in order to defend the territorial integrity of our dear nation.

    “Apart from the territorial defence of our nation, the NN has demonstrated the desired will and courage in formidable partnership with other security agencies to enhance Nigeria’s internal security through dedicated internal security operations,” he said.

    He said the NN would continue to make itself available in periods of emergency and disaster in order to bring relief and succour to victims across the length and breadth of the country.

  • We’re ready to protect Nigeria, says Naval chief

    We’re ready to protect Nigeria, says Naval chief

    Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas yesterday assured his men are fit and adequately prepared for any operation to protect the nation.

    He spoke shortly after the 4th Quarter Route March of the Nigerian Navy, which kicked off at Mogadishu Cantonment Parade ground Abuja.

    Ete-Ibas, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Tariworio Dick, said: “We are fit and ready to be deployed at any point in time towards contributing our quota to surmounting the ever increasing security challenges anytime.”

    The Navy also announced 78 senior officers promoted would be decorated with their new ranks tomorrow at the Navy Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Navy Board approved the promotions of 78 senior officers last week.

    18 commodores were promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, 40 captains were promoted to the flag rank of Commodore and 20 commanders were promoted to the rank of Captain.

    Among the newly promoted rear admirals are Director of Administration, Nigerian Defence Academy-Kaduna, Commodore Michael Ebe; Commodore Naval Drafting, Commodore David Adeniran; Chief Staff Officer Logistics Command Oghara Delta State, Commodore Uchenna Onyia; A Moderator at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru-Jos, Commodore Ahamefule Eluwa and Commander NNS LUGARD Lokoja, Commodore Dolapo Kolawole.

    Other new rear admirals are:  Deputy Director Monitoring and Evaluation at Defence Headquarters, Commodore Shuwa Mohammed; Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Maurice Eno; Director of Operations, Naval Headquarters Commodore Abraham Adaji; Director of Logistics, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshod Commodore Jatau Luka; Director of Naval Intelligence Commodore Ibikunle Olaiya; Director of Logistics, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji-Kaduna, Commodore Kamarudeen Lawal and Commander NNS JUBILEE, Ikot Abasi, Commodore Saidu Garba.

    Also in the list of newly promoted rear admirals are: Director of Manning, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Jasson Gbassa; Deputy Director (Navy) Liaison Senate Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Defence Attache to South Africa Commodore Samaila Lassa; Director of Air Operations, Naval Headquarters Commodore Muhammad Nagenu; Commander, Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo-Lagos Commodore Mbom Ekanem-Nesiama and Director of Naval Education, Naval Headquarters Commodore Aminu Almu.

     

     

     

  • We are on full alert, says Naval Chief

    We are on full alert, says Naval Chief

    The Nigerian Navy yesterday said it was on full alert to protect Nigeria’s unity in the event of any form of threat generated by the activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who made the declaration in Abuja, said the Navy has been fully mobilised to maintain the country’s internal security from the maritime domain.

    Vice Admiral Ibas spoke during the Nigerian Navy 3rd Quarter Route March, at the Mogadishu Cantonment, in Abuja, stating that there was no cause for alarm over any tension as the service was carrying out its constitutional duties to protect the nation from the seas.

    The naval boss asserted that Naval Special Operations in the Southern part of the country was combat ready to protect Nigeria from the maritime area, and emphasised that all would be done for “our economy to boom and for development to come to the country.”

    Represented at the event by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Ibe Enenwo,  the Naval Chief noted that the route march was part of the service efforts at keeping personnel physically and mentally fit to carry out their constitutional duties.

    “Even without tasking, we are fully deployed in internal security situations as required by the constitution and for our own peculiar environment, the maritime environment, “he said.

    He, however, maintained that the route march was not a parade to respond to the IPOB agitations or threats, insisting that it was meant to keep personnel fit in their line of engagement.

    He also denied that the exercise was carried out in line with the Defence Headquarters’ directive to military services to tackle IPOB’s threats.

  • Naval chief hails DICON on small arms production

    THE Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has hailed the Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj-Gen. Bamidele Ogunkale and his management team.

    He lauded them for stirring the ship of the corporation to make Nigeria self-sufficient in the production of arms and ammunitions.

    He said he was delighted with the progress report emanating from the industry.

    The naval boss spoke when the DG DICON visited him at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja.

    Ibas noted that the effort of DICON in building a Primer Cap factory, a major component needed for complete production of ammunition at Kachia, was a laudable project worthy of commendation.

    He added that when the project is completed and production starts, it will boost the military operations across the country.

    “The current dwindling or scarce resources from the Federal Government, coupled with the overt or covert animosity from other nations within the global community, makes it more imperative for us to look inward for urgent solution to our ordnance needs,” he said.

    The CNS, who thanked the DICON boss for a detailed brief about the activities of the only Defence Industry in West African sub-region, said he had been well-informed.

    Headded that the ammunitions produced when the Primer Cap Factory must have been completed, will serve the interest of the Armed Forces and even other security agencies. He promised that the Nigerian Navy would collaborate with the corporation as one of the major stakeholders

    DICON boss Maj Gen Ogunkale said he took the bull by the horn when he assumed office to vigorously pursue the project of the Primer Cap Factory with the aim of making the nation self-sufficient in terms of production of various calibers of ammunitions.

    He added that when he was saddled with the onerous task of piloting the affairs of DICON, the factories’ state of readiness was about 30 per cent.

    But now, he was delighted to note that the factories were at 90 per cent ready owing to some new installations put in place, which include new transformers and replacement of some key machines.

    He stated with sense of fulfillment that DICON was doing well in reverse engineering, stressing that the weapons back-loaded from the theatre of operations across the country, mainly from the Nigerian Army holding, have been repaired in the corporation’s Ordnance factory.

    He added that the industry was ready to collaborate with the Navy in some areas, especially the fabrication of new parts through reverse engineering.

  • Five militant camps, four illegal refineries crippled as naval chief storms Niger Delta

    Five militant camps, four illegal refineries crippled as naval chief storms Niger Delta

    The activities of the rampaging youths at sea have constantly put the men of the Nigerian Navy on their toes. One key way the Navy has battled these youths who are oil thieves and bunkerers is the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) annual sea inspection  meant to test the capability of the command’s equipment and officers to combat sea criminals.

    The CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok Eteh Ibas, last weekend during the operation codenamed: “Exercise Eagle Eye”, sailed on NNS Centenary to 70 nautical miles away from the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) jetty in Onne Rivers State, to Agbami Oil Field, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited to see things for himself. The oil and gas platform is said to be one of the major strongholds of the nation’s economy.

    The sea inspection was flagged off by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin. The activities began December 1, in Delta State, where the first phase was launched to kick start the programme which lasted two days before the sea inspection was flagged off, Saturday and was brought to a close Monday.

    Gen.  Olonisakin lauded the efforts of the Navy to adequately secure the Nation’s waterways for national and economic development despite inadequate funding, and said the need for their encouragement for more effective presence at sea could not be over-emphasized.

    The activitiesof the participating formations at sea include, firing and Visit, Board, Search and Seize (VBSS); this was meant to demonstrate how men of the Nigerian Navy enforce the takeover of any vessel on sea when intelligence reveals it is conveying contraband goods.

    In his assessment of the trip, Vice Admiral Ibas expressed satisfaction on the naval equipment at sea and what he saw his officers do at sea, and promised to work on the weaknesses noticed, for better, more efficient and effective protection of Nigerian facilities off-shore.

    “This is going to be a continuous exercise. For the last 48 hours which you (the media) participated in, you have seen the need for the Navy to maintain presence at sea, you have seen the Nigerian critical oil and gas infrastructure(Agbami oil field), at sea which need to be protected. We have also used that opportunity of being at sea to evaluate the readiness of the various platforms that took part in the exercise that were conducted and different demonstrations.

    “We been able to note what short comings that we have, all these will be put together as we go back to the headquarters to ensure that they are corrected. Assessing the overall exercise, I can say we’ve been able to achieve the main objectives for which the exercise was put in place,” he said.

    Presenting the score card of his formation during the two-day shallow water raiding exercise, the Officer in Tactical Command/ Commander Task Group 16.3, (OTC/CTG 16.3), planning team, Rear Admiral Muhammad Garba, said five militant camps, four illegal refineries and five suspects were arrested and equipment, weapons recovered in Delta and Bonny in Rivers state.

    Garba gave the names of the suspects arrested in Bonny as Solomon (Bayelsa), Jordan Ade, Mark Sunday, Solomon Ichem (Rivers), and Bisong (Akwa Ibom).

    Two other suspects arrested on the cutting channels waterways while conveying two different badges suspected to containing stolen petroleum substance during the first phase of the exercise were also handed over to the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for further investigations and possible prosecution.

    The Navy reiterated the resolve of the CNS to stop all forms of criminal activities, especially oil theft and sea robbery/ piracy as well as hostage and ransom taking in the country’s waterways, and warned daring criminals to revisit their decisions and steer clear the Nigerian sea or face the wrath of the Navy and the law.

    Receiving the suspects on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, the Head, South-South zone, Ishaq Salihu assured that the operative would ensure that justice was done in the matter and fair hearing given to the suspects.

    Rear Admiral Garba said: “After mapping out the expected area of coverage by the OTC, Exercise Eagle Eye tactical team, we discovered that we will need to cover a sea area of 39,600 square nautical miles and a coast line of 220 nautical miles, extending seawalls to 180 nautical miles, within the targeted coordinates.

    “The mandate given was to conduct maritime operation in order to ensure a secure maritime environment, including preventing planned attack on Agbani Flushing Platform Storage Offloading (FPSO), NNHPs in the swamp area of the Niger Delta, Oil and Gas installations and infrastructures and against shipping, not later than December 5, 2016.”

    He continued:  “Five suspects were arrested and pumping machines recovered in Delta, seven boats destroyed and five militant camps were also raided. At FOB Bonny, four illegal refineries sited at Ijokiri, five boats laden with products suspected to be crude and another boat loaded with drums of illegal Diesel (A G O), 12 tanks loaded with illegal refined A G O and six tanks loaded with products suspected to be crude oil, three pumping machines and two Yamaha outboard engines were recovered, while five suspects were arrested.

    “Also within the first two days of the exercise, four suspected sea robbers were also arrested and weapon reportedly recovered from them, among several other achievements, which included raiding of more militant camps and destruction/impounding of boats, petroleum products suspected to be properties of the criminal suspects at FOB Bonny, Rivers state, while two Navy ships were on constant patrol on Brass Bayelsa and Rivers entrance to Agip facility in the period.”

    He expressed shock at the daring, unrelenting spirit of the militants noting that the kind of communication gargets found at the camp in Bonny could equal that of any military camp, but assured that the military is always steps ahead of them and their strategies.

    “Let me inform you also that the militant camp raided at FOB Omoso was almost like a military base; this is because the equipment found in there were things that can be used not only for tactical operation, but for operational reading; this is because the radio sets we recovered there were not just radio sets for listening they could also use it for transmitting,” Garba observed.

    The representative of the Nigerian Air Force in the Exercise Eagle Eye planning and execution, Comdr. S. Zakari, expressed satisfaction at the work of the Navy and confirmed that all programmes and activities carried out at sea were in accordance with the mapped out plans.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Isah Hamma Misau, hailed the Navy for curbing criminal activities on the sea.

    He said: “I want to really appreciate the Nigerian Navy for this laudable initiative. The National assembly will continue to support the Nigerian Navy because we have seen what you are doing and we are proud of you.”

  • Naval chief urges personnel to maintain professionalism

    Naval chief urges personnel to maintain professionalism

    THE Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas yesterday urged Warrant Officers (WO) to always remain professional in the discharge of their duties.

    Ibas spoke at the maiden edition of the Warrant Officers’ Convention, held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    According to him, the Nigerian Navy (NN) decided to hold the two-day convention for the WOs because of the vital role they play in ensuring a professional and effective workforce.

    Tagged: “Warrant Officers as vital tools in Nigerian Navy human resource management and administration”, the convention addressed issues affecting work ethics, divisional system, personnel safety, security and welfare.

    Ibas said the NN has imbibed the realities of national imperatives and applied only the most optimal policies and strategies to protect the nation’s territorial integrity since inception.

    He said: “We all have strong reasons to be proud and I commend our collective efforts as officers and ratings in fulfilling the traditional and envisaged roles of the NN. I salute you for your inputs in the ongoing fight against illegalities such as crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, kidnapping, smuggling, militancy and pipeline vandalism in our maritime domain.

    “These successes would not have been possible but for a proficient and professional human resource capacity, part of which the non-commissioned officers, mainly the WOs cadre, play a pivotal role.

    “The need to continue to build on the successes achieved so far and by implication a credible NN that is capable of discharging its constitutional roles and assigned tasks in a sustainable, efficient and effective manner calls for a virile and professional human resource capacity.

    “The WO cadre is an important link between the officer cadre and that of the junior ratings. Hence, it is important to emphasise that the operational and administrative goals of the NN cannot be attained without a well-disciplined, knowledgeable and highly resourceful class of WOs.”

    Hailing the Federal Government for its continuous support to the NN, Ibas enjoined the personnel to remain loyal, patriotic, diligent and disciplined.

    The Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Joseph Ajani, stated that Warrant Officers were a repository for knowledge and experience, adding that they occupy a very important position in maintaining naval customs and traditions.

    He urged the participants to key into the government’s “change begins with me” agenda to promote the public image of the NN.

    At the event were the Chief of Naval Transformation, Real Admiral Ralph Osundu, Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola,

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai, among others.

     

  • Militants are enemies of Nigeria, says Naval Chief

    Militants are enemies of Nigeria, says Naval Chief

    •As military deploys gunboats in the creeks

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas has described militants attacking oil and other critical infrastructures of government as enemies of state who must be dealt with accordingly.

    He spoke at the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) during an international maritime sea exercise code named OPIA TOHA (togetherness) organised as part of activities to celebrate the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) 60th anniversary.

    It was gathered that the Navy yesterday deployed four gun boats with special forces in the Niger Delta creeks to flush out Niger Delta Avengers and other threats to economic stability.

    The Nation reliably gathered that NNS OKPABANA, a Frigate Class warship was among the vessels tasked to police the troubled region, while small gunboats as well as Special Boat Services (SBS) personnel have been tasked to block all choke points and smoke out the militants.

    Ibas noted the need for more assets for the force to enable it effectively tackle the challenges of the moment.

    Other countries’ navies that participated in the one day sea exercise were France, Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Cote D’ Ivoire and the United Kingdom.

    While the NN deployed five vessels and two helicopters, France, Ghana and Cameroon each deployed a boat for the exercise.

    Fielding questions from reporters, Ibas said the resources the NN deployed in the conduct of the sea exercise was justified by the performance of personnel.

    He said: “The Armed Forces of any nation are trained to fight enemies of the nation. For now, militants are enemies of Nigeria and we will completely eliminate them.

    “We are doing our very best but still require much more from government to enable us do better. We need more assets. We have a vast maritime space to cover.

    “We have the back waters as well where new emerging threats are coming from. Indeed, we need vessels to be able to dominate.”

    Asked what was delaying NNS UNITY the second vessel Nigerian ordered from China, the CNS said the Frigate Class ship would soon be delivered.

    “NNS UNITY will be with us in a short while. The Second Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) is about 98 percent complete. It has already been launched. Once they start the sea and acceptance trials, she should be able to join the service.

    “For NNS ARADU, survey is being conducted. To put ARADU back means deploying resources into the system. But once we get the recommendation of the survey, we will be able to take appropriate actions,” said Ibas.

    Commending the NN for deploying men and material for the regional exercise, Namibia’s naval chief, Rear Admiral Peter Vilho said it was a demonstration of the NN’s might and capabilities.

    Compared to many other third world countries, he said the NN has made major strides. “We used to do a few exercises in our region but we have never had one like this with many vessels and nations participating. The Nigerian Navy has been able to muster so many vessels at sea in this exercise. I am here personally because we were supposed to also bring a vessel for this exercise but it developed technical problem.

    “So, I said we are still going to participate and continue since we already registered our interest for it.

    “We are a bit farther from the GoG region but we believe that things can be tackled before they get worst. That’s why we find out about challenges from other parts of the world in order to prevent them.”

    Giving an assessment of the exercise, the Commander of the Task group and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai said its objectives were met, adding that the joint forces proved that language was not a barrier to effective maritime security.

    “Normally, platforms should be acquired based on threat scenario and the NN’s contemporary threats are in our back waters i.e. militancy, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. So, we must look for proper mix of vessels to fight them. “OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels) are one of the good vessels we can use to patrol our offshore installations.

    “Helicopter is a force multiplier, she can be sent out to survey and feed the ship back on its findings so that the right platform can be vectored to go and confront the particular challenge. We are celebrating 60 years of existence, growing from strength to strength,” he said.

    At the sea exercise were the Commandant, NDC, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade; Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola; Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo and Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gen. Alfred Nelson-Williams (rtd), among others.

  • Naval chief’s wife decries rise in number of widows, orphans

    Naval chief’s wife decries rise in number of widows, orphans

    The wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Mrs. Theresa Ibas yesterday decried the rise in number of widows in the society.

    Mrs Ibas, who’s the President, Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) also noted with displeasure, the sufferings of children rendered homeless.

    She spoke in Lagos at a function organised as part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the association.

    Tagged: “A day with the widows and orphans,” the NOWA President said it decided to empower 200 widows of dead naval personnel to make them realise that they are not forgotten.

    “The increasing rate of women who are made widows untimely and the suffering of children rendered homeless is becoming alarming and worrisome and deserve our prompt attention.

    “While we strive to do our part as an association, we also trust God to help curb activities that lead to untimely deaths,” she said.

    Aside the items given the widows and orphans, Mrs. Ibas stated that arrangement has been made for them to acquire skills at the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) Training centre in Abuja.

    She also urged the Lagos State Government to consider widows of service men in its skills acquisition programmes, emphasising that a day of token will not take care of the problems of the victims.

    Praising a former NOWA President, Mrs. Vivian Ezeoba, who initiated the “A day with widows and orphans” project, Mrs. Ibas promised to complete the standard skills acquisition centre in Navy Town.

    “In line with this, I wish to complete the standard skills acquisition centre in Navy Town to upgrade not only the widows but women who are willing and able to improve their lives in one way or the other to assist their husbands or families in income generation,” she said.

    At the event were the wife of Lagos Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, who was represented by Mrs. Fatimah Bamgbetan; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, who represented the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; former NOWA presidents, Mrs. Josephine Akhigbe and Mrs. Ezeoba.

    Mrs. Ibas also hinted of plans by DEPOWA to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Borno and Edo states to renew the hope of the people.

    “We are also trying to get ourselves under DEPOWA to visit two IDP camps in Maiduguri before the end of December as part of the 50th celebration.

    One of the motivational speakers, Mrs. Ngozi Chibuzor, who lost her husband, a Lieutenant, in 1994 after 10 years of marriage, challenged other widows to stop begging or crying.

    Mrs. Chibuzor, who explained that her eldest child was 10 and the youngest four months when her husband and bread winner died in an accident, told the crowd how she survived and ensured all her children graduated from the university.

     

  • Naval chief seeks prayers to end insurgency

    Naval chief seeks prayers to end insurgency

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, yesterday urged Nigerians to support the military with prayers to overcome security challenges posed by Boko Haram and those at sea.

    He said he and other Service chiefs would not disappoint the nation in tackling insurgency.

    Ibas, who made the plea at a quiet thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church in Area 11, Abuja, said it was God, who had seen him to the top of his career.

    He said: “As a nation, we are undergoing security challenges, both at sea and in the Northeast. While the military is doing its best to address these challenges, Nigerians need to support us with prayers to bring insurgency to an end.

    “We will not let this nation down until these challenges are curtailed. We have to pray to God to assist us to bring up young men and women who will be productive.”

    Supported by members of the 26th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Ibas said he joined the Navy by divine intervention.

    He added: “My journey so far has been the one I give glory to God. I did not know I will join the military. But in 1979, God changed my story. I was seated at home when a cousin of mine came with an NDA form.

    “He said having got the form; he was not interested in military service. He asked if I was interested. I did not know what it was all about but I collected the form and I filled it. Today, here I am thanking God for His mercy all through my career.

    “It is God that has taken charge of my life, I remain grateful to the Almighty God for His divine touch on me.”

    In his sermon, Rev. Israel Akanji, whose 54th birthday coincided with the thanksgiving, said: “The Chief of Naval Staff is an unassuming member of the First Baptist church. After his appointment as the Chief of Naval Staff, he came to this church last week without telling anyone, he went about his normal church activities. But somebody drew my attention to his elevation and I was shocked he could keep such a feat to himself and his family. You can see his mien; he is a man who gets it right.

    “The President said he never met all the Service chiefs but their records spoke for them. This means they earned their elevation.

    “From what the President did, we should have absolute faith in God. The Lord has repeatedly assured that if He opens a door, no one can close it. When God wants to bring you to the limelight, he knows how to do it.”

    Akanji asked Ibas to offer more selfless service to the nation as he had always done.

    He said: “What people often forget is that people in their position run the country with the President.

    “God will assist you to shepherd with integrity and skilful hands.”

    Those at the service were Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Dr. Sarah Alade; Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof. Dibu Ojerinde; former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Media and Publicity Eseme Eyibo; Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Mr. James Olotu; Samson Osagie; Chief of Staff to Niger State Governor,  Mikhail Bmitosahi; former Chief of Defence Intelligence, (CDI), Rear Admiral Gabriel Okoi (rtd) and members of the NDA 26th Course.