The Nigerian Navy has cautioned individuals’ engaging in illegal activities in the maritime domain to stop as the area is now closely monitored and their actions will not be tolerated.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, gave the warning while closing the Nigerian Navy’s second quarterly route march in Calabar on Saturday.

Akinwande stated that the recent commencement of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, will enhance Nigeria’s security, particularly in the maritime sector.

The foot march, supervised by the FOC, involved naval personnel marching through major roads in Calabar city. Akinwande noted that this routine exercise aimed to physically, mentally, and emotionally prepare Nigerian navy personnel for modern security threats in the country.

According to him, “On Wednesday, the Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, gave an order; a 90 days approval regarding ‘Operation Delta Sanity,’ and he gave another 90 days extension for the conduct of the operation, and I think this exercise wouldn’t have come at a better time than now.

“Essentially, the exercise is to tune us up physically, mentally and psychologically as far as meeting first, our maritime security challenges, other internal security concerns as well as the national security.”

The FOC expressed optimism that the exercise will not only enhance the combat readiness of officers and ratings of the command but will also send a strong statement to criminal elements around.

He reiterated that under his watch, the Navy will not condone any form of threat in the maritime domain.

He noted that the massive participation in the exercise by personnel across the command headquarters and other formations under her was an indication of a collective resolve to win the battle against crime and criminality.

“This exercise has again conveyed the right message to criminal elements that indeed we are ready to go, and that we would not in any way condone any form of threat to our national security interest.

“On that note, I say well done to every one of us for this wonderful turnout, and the conduct of the second quarter route march,” Akinwande stated.

The exercise, which commenced at the NNS Victory parade ground, saw the participation of naval personnel from various formations in the state. It was noted that some members of the Nigeria police and Federal Road Safety Commission were present to support traffic control during the event. (Nigerian Tribune)

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