The Nigerian Navy has once again demonstrated its readiness and resilience in the face of terrorism, successfully thwarting a planned attack on one of its strategic bases in the Lake Chad region. The swift and coordinated response by naval personnel effectively neutralised several of the attackers, leaving many others wounded and fleeing in disarray.
The attempted breach, which was intended to destabilise military presence and weaken morale, has instead had the opposite effect. The Navy’s decisive action not only prevented what could have been a serious security breach but also sent a strong message to hostile elements that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully alert and committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
In the wake of the foiled attack, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, visited the base to personally commend the gallant officers and ratings who stood their ground in the face of danger. During his visit, the CNS conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of the Nigerian Navy leadership and the entire nation, lauding the personnel’s courage, discipline, and quick response that saved lives and secured critical military assets.
Far from shaking confidence, the attempted assault has only strengthened the Navy’s resolve to intensify its operations in the region. Vice Admiral Ogalla announced immediate measures to reinforce the base and improve regional security, including the deployment of additional personnel, surveillance systems, and tactical equipment. These reinforcements are part of broader strategic efforts to deny terrorist groups the space and freedom to operate around Lake Chad, a region that has long been vulnerable to cross-border insurgent movements.
One of the key directives issued by the CNS during his visit was the immediate use of the swamp buggies stationed at the base. These amphibious vehicles, which the terrorists tried but failed to destroy during the attack, will now be actively deployed to clear the surrounding waterways and support mobility operations in difficult terrain. Their use will significantly enhance operational capacity in marshy and hard-to-reach areas — environments often exploited by insurgents for cover and movement.
Vice Admiral Ogalla reaffirmed the Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s inland waters and coastline, stating that any aggression against its personnel or installations would be met with swift, overwhelming retaliation. He emphasised that the Nigerian Navy is not on the defensive, but actively taking the battle to the enemies of peace through proactive intelligence gathering, joint operations with other services, and continuous infrastructure upgrades across naval formations.
He also used the opportunity to encourage all personnel to remain vigilant, united, and mission-focused. “This attack was a terrible miscalculation on the part of the terrorists. What they intended as a blow to our morale has only reignited our collective resolve to defend this nation with everything we’ve got,” he said.
As the Navy steps up its presence and capabilities in the region, Nigerians can rest assured that the waters and border corridors around Lake Chad are under firm and watchful control. The Nigerian Navy is not just responding — it is advancing, adapting, and remaining ever-ready to confront any threat to national peace and stability.
