Ibas canvasses unity to confront security challenges in Nigeria

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari in confronting the security challenges facing the country at the moment. 

Ibas also said that with hard-work and determination, the security challenges facing the nation would be a thing of the past, adding that he appreciates the sacrifices of the Nigerian Navy personnel in the ongoing operations to maintain peace, particularly in the maritime domain. 

The Naval boss, who stated this at the inter-denominational church service to commemorate activities marking the 62nd anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy in Abuja, yesterday, said: “As you are aware, our dear nation is facing several security challenges at the moment and we must all therefore stand united with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and all who are in power to confront the current challenges that the nation faces today. 

In his sermon, Very Rev. Father R.E. Oparaji urged the personnel of the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy, to be patriotic and committed in the discharge of their duties to their fatherland. 

In a related vein, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday visited Nigerian Air Force (NAF) frontline troops serving in Yola. 

Abubakar, who led Adamawa State Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Martins Babale and other dignitaries during the visit, held interactive sessions with the officers and airmen/airwomen in the operational theatre during which he appreciated their sacrifices and also urged them to remain highly professional. 

In a statement by the Air Force Spokesman, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olatokunbo Adesanya, the sessions also enabled him to receive direct feedbacks from the personnel and respond as necessary. 

“Furthermore, the visit provided the opportunity to commission the recently-expanded medical facilities at the 163 NAF Hospital Yola,” he said.