Naval chief charges 135 new officers to stay ready for complex threats

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has urged 135 newly commissioned Nigerian Navy officers to remain physically fit, professionally competent and operationally ready as they begin their careers. Abbas gave the charge on Saturday at the Combined Passing Out Parade, Pipping and Commissioning Ceremony at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Afaka, Kaduna. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, was represented at the event by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Congratulating the officers, the naval chief urged them to uphold discipline, loyalty and professional integrity. He said their oath of allegiance should guide their conduct and service to Nigeria. Abbas told the officers that commissioning marked not the end of their training but the beginning of a demanding career involving leadership, responsibility and loyal service.

He also warned them against misconduct and other actions that could damage their integrity or end their careers. The Chief of the Naval Staff said the Navy was confronting increasingly complex security challenges. He therefore urged the new officers to remain adaptable and prepared to respond to emerging threats, including through ongoing joint operations.

“As the Navy confronts increasingly complex security challenges, you must be ready at all times to lead, adapt and serve with courage, honour and unwavering commitment to duty,” he said. The ceremony formed part of a combined passing-out event for cadets from the 73 Regular Course, Army Short Service Course 49, Air Force Direct Short Service Course 34 and Branch Commission Course 3.