Naval Training Command Pencils Down Core Derivatives to Tackle Maritime Illegalities

Chiemelie Ezeobi

As the war against maritime crimes, especially piracy and crude oil theft intensifies, the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) of the Nigerian Navy (NN), has said its core derivatives is to train quality personnel that will tackle such illegalities.

The newly appointed Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, made this disclosure as he assumed office at NAVTRAC in Lagos.

Mohammed took over as the 30th FOC NAVTRAC after his predecessor, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, handed over to him and moved to Operation Delta Safe (ODS).

He said, “I have been given the mandate to train our personnel professionally, so they can superintend over the waters for a safe sea for navigation and commercial activities.

“Thus, my core derivative is it is to churn out quality personnel that would defend Nigeria’s territorial domain to the best of their abilities. This will be drawn from the strategic guidance of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas, and he has given me the mandate to prepare our personnel in professional and educational training.

“The training will help them superintend over our waters and ensure that the sea is safe for navigations and commercial activities. We have pledged our loyalty to serve Nigeria and be in synch with all the directives of the Federal Government through the CNS.”

While addressing his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), unit commanders and commanding officers, he said, “I want you to note that the reason why the Armed Forces exist is to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

“You are in a very strategic position where Nigeria has placed in you confidence to train our men. You are to get the personnel ready in peace so that when a situation arises, they will deliver.

“Under my watch, I will ensure that I maintain the unwritten contract by ensuring you get the right logistics, enablement and resources to deliver and function as encapsulated in the CNS Strategic Guidance.

“Continue to improve in your loyalty and that the resources extended is indeed put to the best possible use, so we can have tangible results.”

In his speech, Okojie said the navy is capable of tackling contemporary challenges. He said , “The navy itself is a contemporary force. The last diamond jubilee we had, papers were discussed on how to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea and other maritime security challenges.

“I am very sure that the NN is in a better position now to tackle those challenges using best practices and international standards.”