The Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen Bashir Magashi (retd) has charged new recruits of the Nigerian Navy to contribute toward effectively combating diverse insecurity currently being experienced across the country.
The Minister gave the charge at the Passing Out Parade of Batch 32 recruits trained at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers on Saturday.
The 1,008 recruits comprising of 785 men and 223 women are to aid the Nigerian Navy fight against sea pirates and oil ‘thieves’ in the nation’s maritime domain.
Magashi charged the naval ratings to be loyal, patriotic and support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He expressed happiness that the trainees were joining the navy and the armed forces at a time the nation required such traits to effectively combat diverse insecurity currently being experienced.
Magashi said ”It is also gladdening to review this magnificent and colourful parade, which subtly depicted strength, courage, enthusiasm and determination by these 1,008 ratings that successfully completed the arduous training that commenced about six months ago at this citadel of learning.”
The minister further said the training has evolved with best practices required to withstand contemporary challenges in line with acceptable global standards.
Magashi said to further strengthen the armed forces readiness for improved national security, the Nigerian Navy embarked on tremendous expansion in infrastructural development as well as undergoing platform acquisition and recapitalisation.
He said, “The latest acquisition being Nigeria Navy Ship KADA, a Landing Ship Tank, which joined other platforms of the Nigerian Navy in May this year.
” I am optimistic that induction of NNS KADA in the fleet, would further consolidate deterrence capability of the Nigerian Navy against maritime crimes and illegalities within our maritime domain and by extension the Gulf of Guinea.
“The landing ship tank will also serve as a force multiplier in Nigerian Navy’s ability to project naval power, respond to crises as well as support non-kinetic operations within the region and the global community. NNS KADA will no doubt boost Nigerian Navy’s capability in support of ECOWAS mandate and beyond.”
Magashi commended the Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike and people of the state for their support and cordial relationship with the training school.
The Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, in his speech, said the trainees underwent rigorous physical and mental training for six months to prepare them for internal security operations across the country.
