The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to stamping economic sabotage and other criminal activities along the waterways.

Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, made the statement at the end of the Nigerian Navy’s second quarterly route march in Calabar on Saturday.

Mr Akinwande said the quarterly exercise was intended to prepare navy personnel physically and psychologically for contemporary security challenges in the country.

“The exercise is to tune us up to meet our maritime security challenges and other internal security concerns,” he said.

The FOC expressed optimism that the exercise would enhance the combat readiness of officers and the command ratings and send a strong statement to criminal elements.

He stated that the navy would not condone any threat around the maritime domain under his watch.

The naval officer said that the massive participation of personnel in the exercise was an indication of their collective resolve to win the battle against crime and criminality.

“This exercise will tell criminal elements that we are combat-ready and shall not condone any form of threat to our national security interests,” he said.

Mr Akinwande said the navy was fully committed to making the waterways uncomfortable for criminals and economic saboteurs.

The flag officer said the newly launched ‘Operation Delta Sanity’ was a deliberate step to strengthen Nigeria’s waterways security architecture.

He said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had approved a 90-day extension for the conduct of the Operation.

The exercise, which kicked off at the NNS Victory parade ground, attracted naval personnel from other formations across the state.

(NAN)