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The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas, on Friday called on Nigerians to support and pray for troops battling terrorism, insurgency and banditry across the country, saying military personnel remain under intense pressure defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Abbas made the appeal during a special Jummaat service held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, where he paid tribute to personnel deployed in various theatres of operation and honoured fallen servicemen.
The naval chief said troops of the Armed Forces, including naval personnel, continue to confront insurgents, terrorists and criminal groups under difficult conditions, stressing that public support remains critical to ongoing operations.
“As they continue to confront insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other security threats in defence of our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, may Almighty Allah continue to protect, strengthen and grant them success in all operations,” he said.
Abbas also appealed to Nigerians to sustain prayers for officers and men deployed within and outside the country, noting that their sacrifices were vital to national peace and stability.
The appeal comes amid renewed military offensives against terrorists and armed groups in parts of the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
Speaking on the Navy’s 70th anniversary, Abbas said the Service had evolved into a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture, playing a strategic role in protecting the country’s maritime domain and economic assets.
He noted that Nigeria’s maritime environment remains central to oil and gas production, international trade and fisheries, adding that recent gains against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea reflect the commitment and professionalism of naval personnel.
The naval chief reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s security and development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also commended serving and retired officers and ratings for their sacrifices, describing their contributions as central to the Navy’s transformation into a respected maritime force.
Abbas paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in active service, saying their sacrifices helped preserve the nation’s peace and unity.
“These brave men and women sacrificed their lives in the line of duty so that Nigeria may remain safe, secure and united,” he said.
He further charged naval personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline and innovation as the Service marks seven decades of operations.
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