Abuja, October 30, 2025 — The Nigerian Navy on Thursday marked a historic transition in leadership as Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal) formally handed over the reins of command to Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), who now becomes the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).
The colourful ceremony, held at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, symbolised both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Nigerian Navy.
The event featured four major highlights: the signing of handover and takeover notes, the decoration of the new CNS with the Admiralty Medal, the handover of the ceremonial binoculars and Navy Ensign, and the lowering and hoisting of the Admiral’s Flag, marking the formal change of command.
Ogalla Reflects on Achievements, Thanks Tinubu
In his valedictory remarks, outgoing CNS Vice Admiral Ogalla, who served as the 22nd indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for a fulfilling naval career that culminated in his service at the highest level of command.
He highlighted key achievements recorded during his 29-month tenure, including:
Sustaining Nigeria’s zero-piracy status in international waters.
Initiating and launching Operation Delta Sanity, which significantly curbed crude oil theft and improved national oil output to about 1.8 million barrels per day.
Establishing the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines.
Executing the Chief of Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects across the country.
Delivering numerous infrastructural projects and prioritising personnel welfare.
Vice Admiral Ogalla thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the opportunity to serve, and urged all naval personnel to extend to his successor the same loyalty, cooperation, and professionalism that defined his own tenure.
“I am profoundly grateful to the Commander-in-Chief for entrusting me with this sacred responsibility. I urge officers and ratings to continue to give their best to the Nigerian Navy under its new leadership,” Ogalla said.
Abbas Pledges Discipline, Modernisation, and Personnel Welfare
In his maiden address, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, accompanied by his wife and the new National President of the Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Aisha Abbas, expressed deep gratitude to God and President Tinubu for his appointment.
He commended his predecessors, particularly Vice Admiral Ogalla, for their visionary leadership and accomplishments, pledging to build on their legacies while charting a new course for innovation and discipline within the Service.
“My tenure will be guided by clear and actionable strategic approaches to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, enhance personnel training, and improve welfare,” Abbas stated.
He stressed that the Nigerian Navy must remain a disciplined and technology-driven force, capable of responding swiftly and intelligently to evolving maritime threats such as oil theft, piracy, and illegal bunkering.
“Discipline remains the foundation of military excellence. I will demand the highest standards from all naval personnel as we work to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he added.
A Ceremonial End and a New Beginning
The event climaxed with the ceremonial lowering and hoisting of the Admiralty Flag at the Naval Headquarters, symbolising the end of Vice Admiral Ogalla’s tenure and the official commencement of Rear Admiral Abbas’s leadership.
The new Chief of the Naval Staff is expected to drive the Navy’s strategic modernisation agenda with a focus on technological innovation, capacity building, and enhanced maritime security, as the Service continues to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters and economic interests.
 formally handed over the reins of command to Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), who now becomes the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).){kind=link}