Rear Adm. Chijioke Onyemaobi, the outgone Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, says piracy has reduced drastically in the maritime space.

Onyemaobi disclosed this on Tuesday at the farewell and handing over parade organised in his honour at the Command in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta.

In his farewell speech, the outgone FOC attributed the development to the availability of more ships to enhance patrols in the waterways.

He also said that the outcome had in turn sustained Nigeria?s delisted status by the International Maritime Bureau since 2022.

The outgone FOC expressed gratitude to the Federal Governments and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for providing the Nigerian Navy with ships and other platforms for operational purposes.

Onyemaobi who assumed mantle of leadership as FOC on Feb. 19, 2024 said that he was overwhelmed by the collective achievements recorded by the Command under his watch.

?Today marks the conclusion of my tenure as the 19th FOC, Logistics Command and beginning of a new chapter under a new leadership.

?Looking back to Feb. 19, 2024, when I took over the leadership, I am overwhelmed by the collective achievements we have accomplished as a team.

?It is a testament to the resilience and determination you have all shown towards the actualisation of the Vision and Mission of the CNS.

?A highly motivated professional Naval force capable of shaping the security outcome within Nigerian Maritime domain and the littorals including land-based engagement.

?In fulfilment of this mandate, the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Logistics Command were at the forefront of ensuring operational readiness of all the Nigerian Navy platforms.

?Your unwavering commitment and doggedness were instrumental in developing effective strategy options which improved ships availability to an unprecedented number of 27 ships for the Nigerian Navy operations,? he said.

Onyemaobi, who is now Director, Marine Engineering, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, expressed gratitude to the CNS, officers, ratings, civilian staff of the Command and residents in the host community for their support.

The naval boss specifically acknowledged the unwavering support from the CNS and the Federal government towards ensuring availability of ships and other platforms for navy operations.

?I met a Command fully operational. With the support of the CNS, we have sustained and even improved on a lot of things. The number of ships has improved by over 30 per cent.

?The availability of ships and other platforms has sustained the various operations of the Nigerian Navy such as, the Operation Delta Sanity, Operation Calm Water, TSARE TEKU and other operational exercises across the operational Commands.

?This has contributed to discouraging the would-be maritime offenders thereby assuring legitimate maritime operators of their safety in the conduct of their businesses,? he said.

Onyemaobi expressed confidence in the ability of his successor, Rear Adm. Oluwole Fadeyi.

?I have confidence in the leader that is taking over from me as the FOC. I am convinced that under his guidance, the Logistics Command will attain greater height.

?As I take my leave, I do so in the assurance that the Logistics Command is in capable hand and on a strong trajectory for the future,? he said.

The outgone FOC urged the officers, ratings and civilian staff to continue to serve with courage, integrity and dedication noting that the Nigerian Navy wants them to uphold its values and traditions always.

On his part, the incoming FOC, Rear Adm. Fadeyi, expressed gratitude to the CNS for finding him worthy for the new position.

He promised to improve on the legacies of his predecessor in the Command while ensuring that personnel does their duties with dedications.

?My vision will be drawn from the mandates of the Nigerian Navy. Logistics Command is basically to ensure there is enough ships and platforms to secure the maritime domain.

?To a large extent, crude oil formed major parts of our foreign earnings, so it is essential for the Nigerian Navy to have enough platforms to ensure the nation?s critical assets are secured,? he said.

Highlights of the event was the lowering and hoisting of the flag which is a tradition in the Nigerian Navy signifying change in guard.

In attendance were: officers from sister agencies, the Naval Officers? Wives Association (NOWA), the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom and among others.

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