By Emmanuel Antswen
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has tasked newly trained naval provosts with enforcing naval law, maintaining discipline, and upholding the integrity and traditions of the service.
Abbas gave the charge on Friday in Makurdi at the graduation of naval provosts at the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School.
The CNS, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Rear Admiral Olusegun Soyemi, emphasised the critical role of provosts and regulating personnel.
He stated that discipline and integrity must be upheld in all the service operations.
“The success of the Nigerian Navy is largely built on discipline and order—principles you are now deeply familiar with.
“As regulators, your responsibilities extend beyond enforcement. You play a vital role in shaping the character and professionalism of your colleagues and subordinates.
“You are therefore expected to uphold the highest standards and lead by example, ensuring that the ethos of the Nigerian Navy is sustained,” he added.
Abbas described the training as the beginning of a promising career for the graduates in the Nigerian Navy.
The naval chief congratulated the graduates on completing four months of rigorous training.
He urged them to lead by example, remain professional, and continuously develop their skills to meet evolving security challenges.
“The evolving nature of naval operations and security challenges requires that you continue to improve your knowledge, skills, and understanding in your field.
“As the Nigerian Navy adapts to meet 21st-century challenges, our maritime domain continues to grow in strategic importance.
“It is therefore imperative that you remain focused, proactive, and forward-thinking in contributing to the attainment of the Nigerian Navy’s mandate in furtherance of national security,” he said.
He commended the commandant, instructors, and staff of the school for their dedication and expressed appreciation to the Benue Government and other stakeholders for their continued support.
The commandant of the school, Commodore Suleiman Abdullahi, said the service remained committed to continuous training and capacity development to address emerging security challenges.
Abdullahi said the graduates underwent 16 weeks of intensive training in investigative and law enforcement skills, including criminology, intelligence, and maritime cybersecurity, using both theoretical and practical approaches.
He said that the 50 graduates were exposed to specialised forensic training in collaboration with a university institute.
The commandant disclosed plans to expand the school and introduce more specialised courses but noted the need to relocate to a permanent site in North Bank, Makurdi, to support the expansion.
He thanked the Benue Government, naval leadership, instructors, partner agencies, and other contributors for their support.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 50 provosts and regulating personnel graduated from four courses.
NAN also reports that highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduates, including awards to outstanding performers. (NAN) www.nannews.ng