The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has warned that any personnel of the Nigerian Navy caught conniving with oil thieves would be severely dealt with according to the law.
He said the Navy had recorded significant achievements against oil thieves and bunkerers, but “there are still cases of personnel colluding with criminals” to undermine its efforts.
The naval chief spoke yesterday during the decoration, shipping of stripes of 29 commodores, who were recently promoted to the rank of rear admiral.
Vice Admiral Ogalla said the newly decorated officers were selected based on their dedication to duty and loyalty to the service.
He said the officers would constitute the leadership of the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in future.
He said: “As expected in every performance oriented organisation, the quality of leadership in the Nigerian Navy is essential for the optimal realisation of our objectives and set goals. Hence, despite the huge number of annual enlistments, only the most dedicated and loyal officers rise to the apex of this profession.
“I want you to bear in mind that you were selected based principally on merit and your proven track records and integrity throughout your service career. It behooves you to justify this confidence by contributing your best to the service and the nation in general.
“I congratulate you on being among the selected few that made it to this rank. Note that while it takes hard work to get to this height, it takes harder work to remain there.
“While I rejoice with each and every one of you, I urge you to justify the confidence the service and nation have reposed in you.”
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, urged the newly decorated officers to work harder in their sacrifices to the country.
