The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, has said his team will ensure impregnable security across the country’s western waters to boost commerce and industry.
He specifically pledged to lead robust intelligence and technology-driven operations that would out-maneuver criminals.
He urged his unit commanders to use their initiative to deliver results.
Mustapha spoke after assuming office as the 46th FOC of the command in Apapa, Lagos State.
According to him, under his watch, the WNC will align with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the navy’s core values.
The FOC promised to focus on professional excellence, operational efficiency, unwavering discipline, personnel welfare and teamwork.
“Furthermore, one of my core priorities is to establish a robust technology-driven and intelligence-driven operation to protect the entire maritime space in order to deter, deny, and disrupt all criminal activities. I expect my sub-unit commanders to use their initiative to outmanoeuver and out-compete any criminal in our waterways,” he said.
Mustapha also promised that the command would maintain a robust presence in the entire area of responsibility of the command “in order to provide impregnable security and promote economic prosperity in line with Nigeria’s blue economy aspiration”.
He added: “We will align our capabilities and training to counter persistent and emerging threats in our maritime space. We will operate with confidence in collaboration with the sister services, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to achieve the mandate of the command.”
“My intention is to establish a robust technology and intelligence-driven naval presence across Western Naval Command AOR to detect, deter, disrupt, and deny any criminal activity. I, therefore, expect all sub-unit commanders to demonstrate initiative, innovation, and creativity to seize and maintain operational initiative.”
Mustapha hailed his predecessor, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen (retd.), for serving meritoriously with several unparalleled achievements, commitment to upholding and building on the legacies.
Oamen had told Mustapha that he felt fulfilled to have exited the service of the Nigerian military after 32 years as FOC of the navy’s premier command.
“I think for these 12 months, we have ensured that the western flank of our maritime domain has remained very safe for all legitimate maritime activities to strive after the well-being of our national economy, and we should be very proud of that.
“Together, we strengthened the operational readiness of the Western Naval Command. We improved the welfare and training of our officers and ratings. We upheld the highest standards of discipline and service. Most importantly, we ensured that the core values of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork remained at the heart of our activities.
“As I hand over the command today, I do so with complete confidence in my successor: a trusted officer, a leader of integrity, and someone fully prepared to take this command to even greater heights. I ask that you give him the same loyalty, excellence, and teamwork you have given me…” he said.
The Nation reports that under Oamen’s watch, the command conducted over 850-armed escort missions to ensure the safe movement of petroleum products and other cargo crucial to Nigeria’s economy; intercepted 6,000 bags of smuggled rice, 30,000 litres of illegal petroleum products, and 193 packs of narcotics.
It also dismantled over 20 illegal refineries, rescued 31 human trafficking victims, and recovered 51 stowaways, thereby curbing smuggling, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes.
In terms of infrastructure and welfare, 89 projects were initiated or completed, including accommodations, administrative buildings and school upgrades. The command also acquired 10 acres of land in Epe for a small-arms range to enhance training and readiness.
The highpoint of the event was the valedictory parade and pulling out ceremony in honour of Oamen.
