Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the chief of the naval staff, claimed that the Nigerian Navy had successfully fought off pirates and other maritime criminals, leading to a rise in oil production and increased security in the country’s waters.
The Naval Chief made the disclosure on Friday when he launched new projects at Zaria, Kaduna State’s prestigious Nigerian Military School.
Ogalla, a graduate of the Nigerian Military School Zaria, claimed that the Navy had “undeniable results” from its operations since he assumed command, noting that the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) had never experienced piracy since 2022.
“We made it clear from the beginning that we wanted to combat the criminal elements that were inseparably affecting our maritime environment.” And I’m proud to say that was accomplished. The improvements to oil production and the elimination of piracy in our waters are obvious, he said.
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He added that pirates, crude oil theft, and illegal refining have long threatened Nigeria’s economic lifeline, dissuading investment in the maritime sector, and piracy. The Navy has since reversed the trend thanks to more effective operations.
He explained that Operation Delta Sanity was launched by the Navy to end criminal networks and protect critical oil infrastructure in parallel with joint operations with sister services and maritime stakeholders.
“These actions have restored confidence in the maritime environment.” Nigeria is now seen as a safer maritime hub, with increased revenues and improved oil production. That’s why the work we’re doing is crucial, Ogalla said.
He added that fighting maritime insecurity is a national duty as well, as the protection of Nigeria’s oil assets directly affects economic growth and development.
By virtue of its mandate, the Nigerian Navy protects our maritime environment. That means protecting the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty at sea. Because oil is still our primary source of income, we are directly strengthening Nigeria’s economy, the CNS noted.
Ogalla emphasized that the accomplishments were attributable to the hard work of naval personnel spread across formations, whose sacrifices at sea had restored Nigeria’s waters to sanity.
“I applaud the brave officers and ratings who put in the effort.” Without their support, we wouldn’t be celebrating these accomplishments. The stability we now enjoy in our maritime domain is the result of their sacrifices, he continued.
He urged vigilantness throughout, noting that security forces must stay ahead through intelligence-led operations and technological advancements. Criminal elements frequently adapt.
In order to promote academic excellence at the university, the Naval Chief ordered six contemporary classrooms, each outfitted with smart boards and learning aids, while he was a student there.
“This intervention reflects my belief that learning must change with the times,” I said. According to him, these resources will give the boys the tools to excel academically and get ready for the future.
He also announced the start of new initiatives and pledged to strengthen military education between NMS and the Nigerian Navy Military School in Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom.
The Ex-Boys Association continued to support the tradition of giving back while the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O. O. Oluyede, was commended for the improvement of the Boys’ Lines and other NMS facilities.
Brigadier General Owoicho Ejiga, the NMS commander, described Ogalla’s visit as “a historic milestone” and said it would inspire the students and strengthen the institution’s commitment to excellence since its founding in 1954.
Source: Channels TV
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