The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has declared the Nigerian military's unwavering commitment to securing the Lake Chad Basin and its surrounding waterways. This decisive action aims to restore fishing, transportation, and other vital socio-economic activities in the North-East region, which has been devastated by over a decade of insurgency.
Naval Chief's Assessment and Commitment in Maiduguri
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas made this pledge on Thursday, 2nd January 2026, during a working visit to naval formations in the Lake Chad Basin. His tour included stops at strategic locations in Baga and along the lake's shores. Addressing journalists at the Theatre Command of Maimalari Containment in Maiduguri, the naval chief emphasized that the security of the lake is paramount for the region's recovery.
He stated that a collaborative security approach is critical. "Our joint military action with security agencies and the Civilian JTF in Lake Chad and its shores will enable fishermen and farmers to resume their economic activities," Abbas explained. He stressed that securing the lake and dozens of connecting waterways is essential for communities across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
Strategic Objectives of the Lake Chad Mission
Beyond the immediate goal of enabling economic revival, Vice Admiral Abbas outlined the broader strategic purpose of his visit. He revealed that the assessment trip was also to evaluate the operational needs of troops deployed across the multinational Lake Chad region, which includes Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic.
The core military objective is clear: to cripple terrorist operations in the area. The joint operations are specifically designed to deny Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists the freedom of movement and action they have exploited in the lake's complex network of waterways. This denial of sanctuary is seen as a key step towards ending the long-running conflict.
Infrastructure Inspection and High-Level Engagement
During his visit, the Chief of Naval Staff also inspected the ongoing construction of the Maiduguri Naval Base (MNAB). This new base is strategically located about 10 kilometres east of Maiduguri city along the Monguno Road. Following his inspection there and a subsequent trip to the naval base in Baga, Abbas engaged in high-level discussions on the region's security.
After returning from Baga, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, accompanied by senior officers from the Theatre Command, paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, at the Government House in Maiduguri. This engagement underscores the importance of synergy between military efforts and state governance in achieving lasting peace and facilitating the return of normalcy and economic productivity to the Lake Chad region.
