The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has praised Nigerian troops for their courage in defeating Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Lake Chad region. On June 18, 2025, naval personnel successfully repelled a terrorist attack, neutralizing many fighters and injuring others who attempted to destroy government and security facilities.
Ogalla arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri on June 21, 2025, at 11 a.m., welcomed by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and senior military officers. Accompanied by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferriera, Rear Admiral OK Oluwagbire, and Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu, he visited the Baga Naval Base in Lake Chad to address the troops.
He urged the soldiers to stay determined, assuring them that the Federal Government is providing resources to address their frontline challenges. Ogalla revealed that the Naval Headquarters is preparing to send additional equipment and personnel to strengthen its efforts. He encouraged the troops to target terrorist hideouts around Lake Chad and secure the region’s waterways. Speaking at the base, he commended the troops for inflicting heavy losses on ISWAP during the recent attack, stating that the terrorists would hesitate to strike again due to their significant defeat.
Ogalla emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of the troops, ensuring their needs receive prompt attention. He also called for unity among security agencies, urging them to avoid rivalry and focus on eliminating the insurgents. He described the naval and army units as partners in tackling the insurgency threat.
After addressing the troops, Ogalla met with Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, assuring him that naval forces would collaborate with other security agencies to eliminate remaining terrorists in the Northeast. Zulum praised the Nigerian Army and other agencies for their efforts and pledged ongoing state support, including logistics and equipment.
Before leaving Maiduguri, Ogalla visited injured soldiers at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Maimalari Cantonment, offering them cash and prayers for a speedy recovery.
