Nigerian Navy Relocates Training Command HQ From Lagos To Rivers State
CHIEF of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has described the relocation of the Nigerian Navy’s training command headquarters from Lagos to Ebubu in Eleme, Rivers State as a strategic move aimed at leveraging the riverine environment of Rivers State for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Admiral Ogalla disclosed this when he led a delegation of top officers of the Navy High Command on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Admiral Ogalla described the relationship between the Nigerian Navy and Rivers State as akin to conjoined twins who cannot do without each other.
He stated, “The purpose of my coming here today is threefold. The first is to inform His Excellency that on Saturday, we are graduating a set of former civilians who have been trained at our Basic Training School, Onne, and are graduating to join the ranks of the Nigerian Navy as ratings in order to beef up our strength.
“The second reason is to first appreciate the governor and the entire Rivers State government for the schools they donated to us: the Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Secondary School at Eleme in the Eleme Local Government Area, and the Model Secondary School, Egbelu in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
“We also want to use this opportunity to inform His Excellency that following that donation, and based on our strategic plan of moving our facilities to areas where we have enough space to be able to carry out our duties, we have renovated the school at Eleme.’’
“We are happy to report, today, that the erstwhile location of headquarters of Naval Training Command, Lagos, is moving to that particular school location in Eleme, tomorrow.”
Admiral Ogalla said the Navy had in recent times made commendable strides in its fight against crimes, following a charge by President Bola Tinubu.
He said the Nigerian Navy, under his watch, had impounded 14 vessels caught with stolen crude oil, adding that several arrests were made.
“I am here today to report Sir, that, with Operation Delta Sanity launched in January 2024, we have been very successful, and within the period, we have recorded tremendous successes and achievements.
“Over 14 large crude-carrying vessels have been arrested within that period. Most of them are at various levels of investigation. We have also arrested several barges and other companies and organisations that are involved in oil theft.
“As a result of the operations, we are happy to report that there have been tremendous improvements in terms of security in the maritime environment”, Ogalla added.
In response, Governor Fubara commended the Nigerian Navy for its achievements and pledged continued support in the fight against economic sabotage, particularly oil theft. He highlighted the positive impact of the Navy’s operations in reducing oil theft in Rivers State and assured sustained support from the state government.
During the visit, the Rear Admiral Mab Elegbede Hall within HQ NAVTRAC was commissioned, further underscoring the importance of the Navy’s presence in the region. Hon. Babajimi Benson, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was also in attendance, reaffirming the collaborative efforts between the Navy and governmental bodies.
Eighteen-Eleven Media
