By Evelyn Usman
LAGOS—The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, weekend, reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s readiness to combat water crimes in the nation, with a view to providing adequate security on the Nation’s maritime waters.

The FOC  who spoke during a courtesy call on the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Kenneth Minimah, stated that protection of the nation’s waterways was a serious matter that was too weighty to ignore, as the nation’s economy was highly dependent on the maritime routes.

Rear Admiral Ikioda who recently assumed duty as the FOC, stated his command’s resolve to build on the achievement of his predecessor, at ensuring proper policing of the nation’s water ways that would nib in the bud activities of sea pirates

In his response, the GOC lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Navy at providing the needed safety of the maritime environments despite the prevailing challenges and inadequate platforms. He said the two services have had a robust relationship in the discharge of their duties and promised to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Navy at providing the needed security in their area of responsibilities.

The FOC also paid similar visits to the Air Officer Commanding the Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Air vice Marshal Hassan Nashehu and the Managing Director, NPA Omar Suleiman where he sought for their co-operations.