Naval chief Idi Abbas has approved the appointment of Reginald Adoki as commander of the Maritime Guard Command at Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement by the agency on Thursday.

Mr Adoki takes over from H.C. Oriekeze. Mr Adoki is a principal warfare officer specialising in communications and intelligence, with 25 years’ experience spanning training, staff and operational roles.

“As a seaman, Adoki commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada. It was under his command that NNS Kada undertook her maiden voyage, sailing from the United Arab Emirates to Nigeria,” said the statement.

Mr Adoki was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

He later earned a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an MSc in Terrorism, Security and Policing from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom.

According to the statement, Mr Adoki is pursuing a PhD in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy. He is described as a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new commander, NIMASA director-general, Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Mr Adoki’s capacity to strengthen maritime security.

Mr Mobereola said the Maritime Guard Command was established under a memorandum of understanding with the navy to enhance operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters.

(NAN)