The Nigerian Navy has announced plans to establish new Forward Operations Bases (FOBs) in the waterways and high seas of Cross Rivers State, specifically in the Bakassi area, to enhance security and protect the country’s maritime economy.

This move is in response to the growing need for increased naval presence in the region, particularly with the upcoming Bakassi Seaport project.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, made this announcement during a courtesy visit from Cross Rivers State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, who urged the Navy to scale up its presence in the area. Governor Otu expressed concerns about the ceding of two Bakassi islands to Cameroon and the increased presence of the Cameroonian Navy in the area, saying:

“We need a serious naval presence at the Bakassi peninsula… We are here to let the Navy know that we need to do the same in our part of the island as well because our part of the island is not fully manned.”

Vice Admiral Ogalla assured the Governor that the Nigerian Navy would review its operational strategies to establish FOBs and provide more security in the region, saying:

“In line with your request, we are going to review our operational strategies to see to the establishment of Forward Operational Bases to ensure and provide more security. I promise that as you are leaving this headquarters, work is commencing towards coming up with the modalities of bringing these plans to fruition.”

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He also highlighted the importance of the Bakassi seaport project in boosting Nigeria’s economy, especially with the congestion at the Apapa Port in Lagos, and the need for proper hydrographic delineation of the sea lanes to ensure safe navigation.

The Nigerian Navy’s plan to establish FOBs in Bakassi demonstrates its commitment to securing the country’s maritime domain and protecting its economic interests.