By Evelyn Usman

Wives of naval personnel, under the umbrella of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association,NOWA have been identified as a critical force behind the Nigerian Navy’s operational success, with the Flag Officer Commanding ,FOC, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustafa, declaring that stability at home directly impacts effectiveness at sea.

Speaking during a familiarisation visit and groundbreaking ceremony for the Nigerian Navy Officers’ Mess and Boat Club, by the NOWA President, Hajia Aisha Abbas, at the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday, the FOC said the Command had continued to contribute meaningfully to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as enhancing national security in synergy with other security agencies and stakeholders. This, he said, is in line with constitutional provisions and the vision, mission, and command philosophy of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

He further noted: “Since my assumption of command, I introduced the 4D doctrine: Detect, Deter, Disrupt, and Deny, to counter criminal activities within the maritime domain. We have operationalised this by deploying smaller vessels within the creeks and lagoons, particularly in Lagos, to address blind spots and curb smuggling activities along the Badagry axis bordering Cotonou, as well as creeks stretching from Ondo along the Igbokoda axis.

“We have also leveraged technology through the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility domiciled in this Command, including the Falcon Eye and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability System, to drive intelligence-led operations. These efforts align with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

“At the community level, we recognise that many security challenges originate within local communities. Consequently, we have prioritised engagement with community leaders and traditional institutions. We have also conducted several medical outreaches to foster closer ties with host communities and encourage alternative means of livelihood, thereby discouraging criminal activities.

“However, these achievements would not have been possible, nor optimal, without the support of NOWA. The association has remained a critical enabler of our operational success by stabilising the home front. An unstable home front would invariably affect effectiveness at sea. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by naval families, especially during prolonged deployments, which enable personnel to remain focused on their duties.”

Earlier, in her remarks, the NOWA President explained that the visit was to appreciate the Command’s support and strengthen existing ties, stressing that “your care and passion for humanity is very clear through the diverse ways you have been supporting the association.”

While commending the dedication of naval personnel, she reaffirmed the association’s mandate of supporting naval families and promoting their welfare.

“It is our sincere hope that NOWA will contribute meaningfully to the welfare and well-being of our naval community. The association aims to provide a supportive network that nurtures unity and offers a platform for the welfare and development of naval families,” she said.

While acknowledging limited resources, she appealed for continued support, saying, “being a non-profit organisation, we can only do so much; hence, we will always rely on your support when the need arises.”

Thereafter, she laid the foundation for the Boat Club at the Command and proceeded to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, a visit the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, described as the first of its kind.