Stop Colluding With Oil Thieves, Navy Warns Officers

The Nigerian Navy has warned its officers to stop colluding with oil thieves sabotaging the country’s economic mainstay, saying heavy sanctions await any officer caught in the criminal act.

It also charged the officers to be more loyal and dedicated to the force and the nation at large, noting that display of unalloyed loyalty to the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria would help in addressing current security challenges confronting the nation.

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, who handed down the warning in Abuja during decoration ceremony for the 28 newly promoted Rear Admirals on Wednesday, maintained that there would be no room for economic saboteurs in the country.

He said, “While there are significant achievements, which must be sustained, there are pockets of personnel still colluding with criminals to sabotage these efforts.

“Let me therefore, warn that any act of collusion with criminals or sabotage of measures emplaced to checkmate illegalities will be met with stiff sanctions in accordance with the law.

“Note that as leaders of the Service, you are expected to be above board and ensure that your subordinates equally buy into the zero-tolerance stance of the Nigerian Navy against all forms of illegalities and criminalities at sea and onshore.”

Gambo, while congratulating the new admirals, stated that despite huge number of annual enlistments into the military, only the most dedicated and loyal personnel rise to the apex of the profession.

According to him, this is because the navy is a performance-oriented organization where quality leadership is essential for the optimal realization of its objectives.

“Indeed, it is the dream of every officer to reach the peak of his/her career in the Service. However, only a few eventually realize this dream.

“The ceremony today, which is the crowning glory of your hard work, dedication and loyalty to the Service and by extension the nation is no mean feat. I therefore congratulate you for being among the selected few that made it to this enviable rank,” he added.

Gambo noted that while it takes hardwork to reach a glorious height, it takes harder work to remain up there, charging the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Rear Admiral Garba Abubakar on behalf of the newly decorated officers pledged to do more for the navy, armed forces and the nation at large.