The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has visited Maiduguri to review ongoing security operations across the Lake Chad region.
The visit focused on efforts to secure waterways that serve communities in Borno State and neighboring countries within the Lake Chad Basin.
Vice Admiral Abbas briefed journalists on Thursday at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri on the Nigerian Navy’s operations in the area.
He said the Navy is working to deny terrorist groups access to Lake Chad waterways through sustained and coordinated operations.
He explained that the Navy, in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force, has been clearing insurgent elements from key water routes.
According to him, these efforts include operations carried out under Operation Lake Sanity I, which targeted terrorist logistics and movement across the basin.
The naval chief said regular patrols are being maintained to prevent the regrouping of armed groups and protect civilian activities.
He said the patrols are also aimed at ensuring safer movement for fishermen, traders, and transport operators who depend on the waterways.
Vice Admiral Abbas said the Navy conducts Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force.
He said the joint ISR operations have improved situational awareness and strengthened maritime interdiction in the Lake Chad Basin.
On infrastructure, he said the Nigerian Navy Lake Chad has carried out engineering works to reopen access to critical waterways.
He disclosed that about 11 kilometers of waterways have been dredged and cleared.
He said the effort has supported the return of fishing, farming, and trading activities in affected communities.
