By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy has warned it officers and men against maltreating civilians especially as they embark on their duty of defending the country’s territorial integrity at sea.
Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai told officers and men of the Navy that the job of the military’s defence of the country’s territorial integrity would be meaningless if the personnel of the armed forces are not having harmonious relationship with civilians and relevant stakeholders.
He said: “Let me draw your attention to the fact that you must continue to be law abiding citizens and also to maintain cordial and improved relationship with our civilian populace and relevant stakeholders. We, as soldiers and members of the Armed Forces, can only be proud if the safety and well being of the civilian populace are assured.”
Bobai also warned persons seeking to carry out illegalities at sea within the Western Naval Command’s area of responsibility to desist, saying personnel of the force will not hesitate to deal decisively with such persons.
He said the command would ensure that the vision and mission of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas of developing a credible naval power in fulfillment of the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional roles towards enhancing national prosperity and security was pursued.
He said the route march was to ensure the physical and mental fitness of the officers, adding that physical fitness and mental alertness were essential at all times for service personnel.