Director Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-AliuO in a press statement disclosed that, the Reviewing Officer, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle arrival was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Speaking during the Passing Out Parade (POP), the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle who was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade (POP) said that the ratings went through six months extensive warfare and maritime combat training to equip them for the ongoing fight against oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and sea pirates, among other criminals.
He said these young men and women are joining the Nigeria Navy at a time the Armed Forces need personnel with strength, courage, and resolve to combat the security challenges we face.
He noted that the newly enlisted personnel passed through rigorous training in physical fitness, swimming, combat skills, and weapons handling, preparing them for maritime and land operations.
Matawalle emphasised that the recruitment was a vital component of the navy’s capacity-building efforts to develop effective operational forces capable of addressing both internal and external threats. According to him, the injection of the right manpower and skilled personnel is key to the ongoing expansion of naval fleet.
“They will be assigned to various units and formations to complement ongoing internal security operations. The navy is focused on enhancing capacity through infrastructural development, activating various operations, conducting technology-driven patrols, and platforms acquisition and recapitalisation.
“Two 76-meter Offshore Patrol vessels are expected to arrive from Turkey, along with three additional Fast Attack Craft from China among others, to bolster the navy’s fleet.
“I am pleased to report that Operation Delta Sanity, activated to curb oil theft, has increased crude oil production to 1,428,613 bpd from less than 1,000,000 in the past six months,” he added.
The minister stressed that the navy was engaged in joint exercises and training with foreign naval partners to enhance local capabilities.
He urged the new naval ratings to be discipline, obedient and apolitical, and exhibit unwavering loyalty to the military and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“Acts of desertion and disloyalty will result in severe consequences for those found wanting,” he cautioned the ratings.
The POP was a colorful ceremony signaling the commencement of a naval career for these young male and female Nigerians who have sworn an oath of allegiance to their nation.
After the March past in slow and quick time, there was a silent drill display by the trainees, award presentation by the Reviewing Officer and presentation of souvenirs to the dignitaries.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were the representatives of the Executive Governors of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States and Chairman House Committee on Defence and representatives of the Service Chiefs, Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, and Principal Staff Officers from Defence Headquarters and Naval Headquarters.