We will soon overcome security challenges, says Navy

The Nigerian Navy has declared that the country will soon overcome terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other current security challenges.
In his goodwill message to the Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa during the Navy Week Interdenominational Church Service, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral, I.E. Ibas, however, called for unity in the Armed Forces.
Ibas, whose message was read by Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding, CNC, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, said the occasion called for sober reflections and prayers for the country.

He said: “It is trite that occasions such as this also call for sober reflection and prayers for the nation particularly in the face of daunting security challenges at the moment.

“As members of the Armed Forces, we must all stand united and ready to give our all in support of the Federal Government’s effort to confront the current national security threats regardless of where they may occur; at sea or on land.
“I, therefore, take the opportunity to remind you of your sacred duty to continue to remain committed to the defense of your country. Clearly with such strong resolve, sacrifice and unity of purpose, the current challenges will soon be a thing of the past”.

The CNS asked all the officers and ratings to pray for their colleagues and other members of the armed forces deployed across various terrains and environment following efforts to secure the nation.

He, however, added: “We must also spare a moment a moment for our colleagues, who have paid the supreme sacrifice within the past year and ask the Almighty God to grant their souls a peaceful repose.

“We also pray for the Almighty to strengthen and give succour to their loved ones and dependents to enable them keep faith with the again as we look forward to a better tomorrow”.

Ibas said the leadership remained unwavering in the pursuit of set national objectives adding that it was committed in equipping the troops to optimize their output.

He thanked the religious leaders for their unrelenting and fervent prayers for the navy disclosing that the navy continued to make significant strides in its fleet renewal programmes.

He added that the naval programmes led to the induction of many Seward Defence Boats, Riverine Patrol Boats and the construction of other capital ships and aircrafts expected to join the fleets in the coming months.

He said: “Other notable achievements include the commissioning of the NN Reference Hospital in Calabar, Admiralty University and the completion of NNS Beecroft jetty as well as several other infrastructural and welfare projects across NNS ships and establishments