CNS ABBAS ENGAGES OFFICERS, INSPECTS KEY NAVAL FACILITIES IN CALABAR

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral I. Abbas, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to personnel welfare during an operational tour and interactive engagement with officers and ratings of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar.

The interactive session, held on Thursday, 8th January 2026 at the Nigerian Navy Primary School Hall, Ikot Ansa, formed part of the CNS’s ongoing tour of ships, units and establishments across the Command. Addressing personnel, Vice Admiral Abbas emphasized that welfare remains a cornerstone of his leadership agenda, noting that deliberate, structured and sustainable interventions are underway to close existing welfare gaps, enhance living conditions and strengthen support systems across naval formations.

Commending the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C. D. Okehie, alongside officers and ratings of the Command, the CNS expressed satisfaction with the high level of professionalism observed, adding that the Command has recorded no adverse reports under its current leadership.
He further highlighted professionalism, discipline and integrity as the core pillars of his Command Philosophy, urging personnel to consistently uphold these values, which he described as critical to operational effectiveness, institutional credibility and mission success.

As part of his engagements, Vice Admiral Abbas visited the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, where he was received by the Commander, Captain V. C. Igboezue and senior hospital officers. The CNS conducted an extensive inspection of the facility, assessing its medical capabilities, service delivery capacity, operational challenges and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

The tour also included an inspection of accommodation facilities at the Naval War College Quarters, Summit Hill, Calabar. There, the CNS was briefed by the Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral M. A. Muye, on existing logistical and structural challenges. Vice Admiral Abbas assured that necessary interventions would be initiated in line with his broader vision to improve personnel welfare and enhance operational readiness.

In continuation of the tour, the CNS proceeded to Forward Operating Base IBAKA, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Commodore A. G. Abdullahi. The CNS was briefed on the base’s unique operational environment, prevailing challenges and recent achievements. He commended the base for its operational successes and assured that identified challenges would be addressed to further bolster maritime security operations within the area of responsibility.

The visit concluded with official group photographs, marking the end of the Chief of Naval Staff’s engagements in the Eastern Naval Command, Calabar Area.