Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim has assumed duty as the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), the Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa.
The new FOC, Central Naval Command, Nigerian Navy, shortly after assumption of duty, pledged to build on his predecessor’s achievements in fighting maritime crimes.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim took over from Rear Admiral Ahmed Gaya, who was moved to another location.
Upon assumption of duty, Admiral Ibrahim thanked God while also commending the Chief of the Naval Staff for finding him worthy to take over leadership of the Central Naval Command.
He said he was ready to move the CNC forward with the help of the Officers, Ratings and Civilian Staff.
The new FOC, CNC, promised to ensure that critical infrastructure was secured for the nation, stating that he would ensure that everybody is carried along, just as he noted that he would also improve on what he saw on the ground.
According to him: “I am indeed privileged to take over Command, as the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Yenagoa.
“I want to use this opportunity to assure the Chief of Naval Staff and by extension, Nigerians that I shall not abuse this privilege.
“I understand and recognise the importance of the CNC in sustaining posterity and maritime security in this country, Nigeria.
“I shall do everything within my means to uphold the standard that my predecessor established.
“This shall be done by engaging other services and stakeholders, which will enhance the synergy that already exists within the command.
“I want to call on my commanders not to rest but to raise the bar. I want to wish the outgoing FOC well in his future endeavours,” he said.
The new FOC said he would continue to call upon the outgoing FOC for guidance and other issues that may be required in the course of his administration.
He assured that the welfare of men, ratings and civilian staff and officers was his paramount priority.
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In a valedictory remark, the outgoing FOC, Rear Admiral Ahmed Gaya, said, “gratitude and fulfilment that I stand before you today as I bid farewell to the Central Naval Command. My tenure here has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve our great nation in this capacity.
When I assumed Command in October 2024, I made a firm commitment to enhance maritime security within our area of responsibility and to safeguard the nation’s economic assets and contribute meaningfully to national development. Today, as I take stock of our journey, I am proud to say that, together, we have made remarkable progress.
Our collective efforts in the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, piracy, IUU fishing and other forms of criminality have yielded tangible results.
Through sustained operations, improved intelligence sharing, and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies and stakeholders, we have successfully disrupted criminal networks and restored confidence in the nation’s waterways.
The outcome has been a notable increase in crude oil production. And a downward trend in crime and criminality in the Niger Delta.
Furthermore, the Command witnessed significant strides in fleet recapitalisation and renewal.
The acquisition and deployment of new platforms, alongside the refurbishment of the existing assets, have strengthened our patrol capacities, improved our response time and enhanced the overall combat readiness of the Command.
These efforts have positioned the Central Naval Command as a formidable force in safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.
Beyond Operations, we also prioritised personnel welfare, recreation and capacity enhancement.
Through training, mentorship and infrastructural improvement, we ensure that officers and ratings are better equipped to meet the demands of modern Naval Warfare and Maritime Security Operations.
I must extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff for his visionary leadership and unwavering support. To the Principal Staff Officers of the Command, led by my hard-working CSO.
To the Fleet Commander, Commanders, Commandants, Commanding Officers, officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Central Naval Command – You are the true architects of our success. Your professionalism, loyalty, and dedication made every achievement possible.
I also acknowledge the cooperation of our partners, the NDDC board and other stakeholders whose collaboration has been invaluable.
I also want to acknowledge the support I enjoyed from my immediate family, amiable wife and children for their love and support throughout my career.
As I hand over the mantle of leadership, I am confident that my successor, Rear Admiral SD Ibrahim, will build upon these foundations and take the Command to even greater heights. I urge you all to remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to the ideals of the NN.
I thank God for his guidance and protection throughout my tenure and for granting us success in our collective mission. I will leave Central Naval Command with fond memories, immense pride and unshakable faith in the continued excellence of the Command.
