CNS charges naval officers to stay battle-ready

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has charged officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to remain battle-ready and vigilant, even in times of peace.

The CNS gave this directive while addressing officers at the flag-off of the Navy’s Annual Sea Exercise, codenamed EX ERU OBODO, held onboard NNS KADA, on Monday in Lagos.

According to the CNS, maintaining a state of readiness is crucial for the Nigerian Navy to effectively respond to emerging maritime threats and protect the nation’s interests.

He emphasized that complacency has no place in the military, and that personnel must continually train and prepare for potential conflicts.

The CNS also highlighted the importance of discipline, professionalism, and teamwork in achieving the Navy’s objectives.

The CNS’s directive comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s capabilities and enhance its contribution to regional and global security initiatives.

Vice Admiral Abbas stated that the Navy has been involved in various operations aimed at combating piracy, terrorism, and other maritime threats, adding that the to stay battle-ready underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong and effective naval presence within the Gulf of Guinea.

“It is with immense pride and a deep sense of professional duty that I address you today on the occasion of the flag-off of our Annual Sea Exercise, codenamed EX ERU OBODO. This exercise is a cornerstone of our operational calendar, a critical test of our readiness, and a bold declaration of our unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“The name ERU OBODO – a phrase from our local dialect meaning “Guardian of the Nation” is profoundly apt. It encapsulates the sacred mandate you, the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy, carry on your shoulders. You are the guardians of our blue territory, the protectors of our national economic lifelines, and the sentinels against all threats emanating from the sea.

“The strategic importance of our maritime environment cannot be overstated. It is the highway for our commerce, the source of immense natural resources, and a vital zone for national security. Consequently, our ability to dominate these waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and deter any form of illegality is non-negotiable. EX ERU OBODO is designed to sharpen that ability to its finest edge.

“This year’s exercise has been meticulously crafted to simulate complex, real-world scenarios. It will test our capabilities across a broad spectrum of naval warfare: from Fleet Maneuvers and Advanced Gunnery to Anti-Piracy Operations, Illegal Oil Bunkering Interdiction, Search and Rescue, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS). We will practice inter-agency cooperation with key stakeholders and test our logistics and combat sustainability far from our bases” he said.

He further urged all participating ships, helicopters, special forces, and supporting units, to see the operation, as more than a routine drill, but as a battle practice.

Also addressing the officers and ratings on the importance of CNS Annul Sea Inspection 2025 (CASI 25) the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, explained that CASI is the culmination of all the exercises and operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy during the year.

Admiral Mustapha who doubles as the operation’s Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) stated that the exercise presents a critical opportunity for the CNS to assess the operational readiness of NN fleet in line with his Mission which, he said, is “to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing effectively to joint operations in defence of national sovereignty”.

“As OTC, I am committed to ensuring that CASI 25 reflects the highest standards of operational efficiency, professional excellence and seamless coordination that define the Nigerian Navy. The maritime environment continues to evolve as a dynamic and increasingly contested space. Threats such as sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal trafficking, and unregulated exploitation of marine resources persist in scale and complexity” he said.

In his welcome address, the Nigerian Navy Chief of Operations who is the Officer Conducting Exercise (OCE), Admiral MB Katagum, stated that the exercise demands precise coordination of ships, aircraft, maritime security elements and special operations forces.

“It also requires discipline, teamwork and unwavering commitment to procedural excellence to ensure that assigned units meets the operational, tactical and administrative standards expected of a modern, agile and combat-ready navy” he said.

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