The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has vowed to make the nation’s maritime corridor uncomfortable for criminal elements.
The new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, disclosed this during his assumption of duty in Calabar, Cross River on Tuesday.
According to him, all resources would be deployed to create the desired environment for socio economic activities to thrive in the nation’s maritime environment.
He said the maritime environment is the nation’s economic center and the Navy must remain committed in ensuring that all forms of threat are tackled to realize prosperity for Nigerians.
“I remain committed to do the needful to make sure the environment is uncomfortable for criminals and for them to rethink.
“We will raise the fight from where my predecessor stopped; Illegal crude oil activities, piracy and sea robbery among others, must be stopped,” he said.
Akinwande, who described his appointment as noble, saying he would never take it for granted also commended his predecessor, Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire, for overcoming numerous challenges to record remarkable achievements during his tour of duty at the command.
Earlier in his address, the out-gone FOC, who had been deployed to the headquarters as Chief of Logistics, said successes recorded during his tour of duty would not have been possible if not for the support of the personnel.
He appealed for the same support to be accorded his successor, whom he said, was his course mate and friend.
The new FOC was the immediate past Director of Operations at the Naval headquarters.
