The Central Naval Command (CNC) and the Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening synergy to tackle rising insecurity, particularly the menace of crude oil theft, in the Niger Delta region.
The commitment was the highlight of a significant visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) CNC, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, to the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, at the NAF base in Yenagoa.
During the meeting, Rear Admiral Ibrahim pledged full cooperation, stating, “The Central Naval Command under my watch would work hand-in-hand with the Mobility Command to achieve the mission and vision of our both services.” He stressed that the collaboration aligns with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s (CNS) Leadership and Command Ethos, thanking Vice Admiral Idi Abbas for his guidance.
In his response, Air Vice Marshal Onyebashi expressed the Mobility Command’s readiness to strengthen the existing relationship, emphasizing that this renewed synergy would lead to significant improvements in security. He specifically outlined the Mobility Command’s support:
Intelligence Gathering: Conducting joint maritime and air patrols aimed at gathering critical intelligence.
Targeting Illegalities: Directing efforts against crude oil theft and other illegal activities within both commands’ Areas of Responsibility.
AVM Onyebashi lauded the choice of Rear Admiral Ibrahim as FOC CNC, noting his professionalism and familiarity with the Niger Delta region. “Our continued collaboration will enhance the prosperity of the Nation,” the AOC maintained.