The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has commended troops deployed in Lake Chad for their operational success in repelling a recent attack on a naval base by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Mr Ogalla gave the commendation on Saturday during an operational visit to the Nigerian Naval Base in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

The CNS, accompanied by the theatre commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj.- Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, lauded the troops for the heavy casualties they inflicted on the insurgents during the attack on Wednesday.

“I have come to commend the troops for the courage and professionalism they displayed, which ensured that the enemy suffered a massive defeat. If they ever attempt to attack this base again, they will think twice,” Mr Ogalla said.

He, however, announced that the naval headquarters had taken steps to deploy additional fighting equipment and personnel to further strengthen their operational capabilities.

The CNS charged them to sustain the momentum and take the battle to all terrorist enclaves in and around the Lake Chad region, stressing the importance of securing the waterways for civilian and military activities.

Mr Ogalla also conveyed the appreciation and support of President Bola Tinubu and the military high command, adding that the federal government was committed to the welfare of personnel and providing the necessary resources for ongoing operations.

He urged the troops to remain resolute and focused while emphasising the need for synergy among security agencies in the theatre.

“The battalion here and the navy base must work as twin brothers in the fight against the hydra-headed threat of insurgency,” he said.

The CNS called on the troops to eschew inter-agency rivalry and maintain unity of purpose in defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, who continue to pose a threat to national security.

(NAN)