Rear Adm. Chugali assumes duty as FOC CNC

Rear Adm. Umar Chugali, on Tuesday assumed duty as the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa.

Chugali took over from Rear Admn. Ibrahim Shettima, who was moved to Defence Headquarters, Abuja, as Director of Plans, promise to build on his predecessor’s achievements in fighting maritime crimes.

According to Chugali, his administration would move the CNC forward with the help of the Officers, Ratings and Civilian Staff, and thanked God and the Chief of the Naval Staff for finding him worthy of the position.

He noted that he would ensure that the critical infrastructure is secured for the nation. stating that he will ensure that everybody is carried along and improve on what he saw on the ground.

Chugali noted that the expectations from the CNC were handwork, success, as well as maintaining or surpassing what had been achieved so far.

He urged those involved in illegal maritime activities to desist from them, turn a new leaf and go into a legitimate business.

In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing FOC, commended the officers and ratings for the achievements recorded during his tenure in the command.

He said in order to rid the maritime domain a lot of arrests were made, and that the criminals have nowhere to hide again.

Shettima said that with the commitment and hard work of the officers and ratings of the CNC, they were able to locate 190 illegal refining sites where illegality takes place and they were deactivated.

He explained that under his Command, they were able to partner with the Imo state Government, and the flag-off was a pre-survey of Oguta Lake connecting the Orachi River, finally discharging to the Atlantic.

Shettima added that the effort is geared towards enhancing the economic well-being of the South Eastern part of the country and by extension Nigeria. He commented with gratitude to the government and good people of Bayelsa State for their continued partnership and cooperation with the command.