By Oladapo Udom
Lagos, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) – In a significant year-end address, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Western Naval Command, lauded his personnel for their exceptional performance throughout 2025, which has been pivotal in safeguarding Nigeria’s vital maritime interests. Speaking at the Western Naval Command Cocktail and Dinner 2025, held at the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT Officers’ Mess in Apapa, Lagos, the Admiral framed his commendation within a broader strategic vision, emphasizing that future success hinges on deepening partnerships.
Admiral Mustapha highlighted that the personnel’s “professional excellence and doggedness” were directly responsible for the command’s successes in ensuring the safety and prosperity of Nigeria’s maritime domain. This domain is not just a security frontier but the lifeblood of the national economy, encompassing critical shipping lanes, oil and gas infrastructure, and fishing grounds. The successes referenced likely include deterring piracy, combating illegal bunkering and oil theft, and securing the Gulf of Guinea—a region historically plagued by maritime crime where Nigerian efforts have recently seen measurable improvement.
“Tonight we have come together as a family not only to celebrate the conclusion of a remarkable year but to also acknowledge the Almighty for his benevolence,” Mustapha stated, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. He then issued a clear strategic directive for the coming year: “As we embark on the journey to a new year, I encourage you to continue to foster collaboration with our sister services and other government agencies as well as international partners.”
He elaborated on this imperative with a powerful metaphor: “You must realise that the strength of our maritime defense lies not only in individual prowess but in the unity of purpose and the bond forged in collaboration.” This call underscores a modern naval doctrine known as “combined operations,” where effectiveness against asymmetric and transnational threats requires seamless integration. For instance, intercepting a smuggling vessel may involve intelligence from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), aerial surveillance from the Nigerian Air Force, and joint boarding operations with the Nigerian Army or international naval task forces.
Acknowledging the challenging operational environment, Mustapha described it as “dynamic and unpredictable,” a nod to the evolving tactics of illicit actors. “Therefore, as we reflect on the achievements of this year, let us also look ahead with optimism and a sense of purpose toward achieving even more in the year 2026. I have no doubt that you will live up to your responsibilities by remaining steadfast in your commitment,” he affirmed.
The FOC extended gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for his “unwavering support,” which facilitated the command’s 2025 achievements. This top-level backing is crucial for resource allocation, policy direction, and inter-service advocacy. Mustapha also offered a poignant appreciation often overlooked in military narratives: the spouses and family members. He credited their “patience, perseverance and loyalty” as a significant contribution to the professional conduct and morale of the personnel, recognizing that service sacrifices are borne by entire families.
Echoing the FOC’s sentiments, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Ltd., attributed the Nigerian Navy’s achievements in the Lagos area to the CNS’s strategic guidance. Lagos, as Africa’s busiest port and a major economic hub, represents a particularly high-stakes area of responsibility. Shehu noted that the dinner provided the perfect space “to reflect on common achievements for the year, and to regroup, rethink and reset strategies for more remarkable accomplishments in the coming year.” He commended Admiral Mustapha for his innovative leadership in conceptualizing the event, which served not just as a social gathering but as a strategic pause to cement camaraderie and plan for future challenges.
The event, therefore, transcended a simple awards ceremony. It was a strategic communication platform, reinforcing core values, celebrating hard-won gains in maritime security, and laying the doctrinal groundwork for a more integrated, collaborative approach to defending Nigeria’s blue economy in 2026 and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OUU/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran
