The Senate on Wednesday screened and confirmed the appointments of new Service Chiefs nominated by President Bola Tinubu.
The new service chiefs who have been confirmed are Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen Waheedi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, AVM Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.
In his presentation during the screening, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy would deploy modern technology, including drone surveillance, to enhance maritime security and curb criminal activities along the nation’s waterways.
Abbas explained that while the Navy already has existing operational structures to combat maritime crime, the introduction of advanced technology would help reduce costs and improve efficiency.
“We already have structures in place to curb maritime crimes, but I intend to incorporate more technology, especially drones.
“Some of our patrols do not yield expected results because of the nature of the terrain, and resources are often wasted on fuel. Using drones will allow us to monitor these areas more effectively.”
He also addressed concerns about insecurity along the inland waterways, noting that a Special Operations Command has already been established in Makurdi, Benue, to strengthen patrols and response operations between Benue and Lokoja.
On the proposed creation of a Coast Guard, Abbas said there was no need for such a body since the Nigerian Navy already performs coast guard duties.
“Creating another agency would only duplicate functions. Instead, funds meant for establishing a new Coast Guard should be redirected to strengthen the Navy’s operational platforms and logistics.”
Abbas also said the Navy had made progress in blocking the use of large tankers offshore, which were previously used to ferry stolen crude oil.
“Most of the illegal activities occur in hard-to-reach areas, but with the use of drone technology, we can monitor and stop them more effectively,” he said.
On the issue of deradicalisation of repentant criminals, Abbas supported the initiative but cautioned that it should be handled with sensitivity and consideration for victims’ families.
“Deradicalising repentant criminals is a good idea, but we must also think of the moral burden. Families who lost loved ones to these criminals should be consulted before amnesty is granted,” he said.
He reaffirmed Navy’s commitment to its Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which, he said, addresses major threats such as piracy, oil theft, kidnapping, and banditry.
“The challenges we face cannot be solved by the military alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach,” Abbas said.
Persecondnews reported that the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had earlier been cleared.
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