𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 P𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 O𝐮𝐭 E𝐱-𝐂𝐍𝐒 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 S𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 P𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 O𝐮𝐭 E𝐱-𝐂𝐍𝐒 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 S𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢ce The Nigerian Navy on Thursday, December 11, 2025, formally pulled out the immediate past Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd), in a grand Valedictory Parade and Pulling Out Ceremony at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA parade ground in Apapa, Lagos.

‎The colourful military tradition marked the formal retirement of the former CNS after decades of dedicated service to the nation.

‎In his valedictory address, Vice Admiral Ogalla, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, highlighted the significant achievements recorded during his tenure, focusing on the core areas of maritime security, fleet expansion, and personnel development.

‎The former CNS noted that his administration intensified the fight against crude oil theft, piracy, and other maritime illegalities, which resulted in greater security in Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

‎He also affirmed that the Navy expanded its operational footprint, taking delivery of new platforms and advancing local shipbuilding capacity to enhance fleet capability and sustainability.

‎Vice Admiral Ogalla stressed that the Navy’s greatest assets are the men and women who operate the equipment, emphasizing that priority was placed on their welfare, professionalism, and training.

“Our greatest assets are not ships or equipment, but the men and women who operate them,” he remarked, praising the personnel’s loyalty, professionalism, and dedication across all cadres.

‎Despite the heavy rainfall in Lagos, which the former CNS described as a “sign of blessing,” the ceremony was well-attended by high-ranking dignitaries.

Among those present were the current Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, a representative of the Chief of Air Staff, past Chiefs of Naval Staff, and numerous retired and serving senior military personnel.

‎The ceremony featured the traditional slow march, review of the parade, and culminated in the symbolic Pulling-Out (or Sailing-Out) of the retired Vice Admiral. Following the naval tradition, the decorated open Land Rover jeep carrying Vice Admiral Ogalla and his wife, Mrs. Ogochukwu Ogalla, was pulled by a retinue of senior officers from NNS QUORRA to NNS BEECROFT, where he boarded a boat for his final sail out from active duty.

‎Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the trust and support reposed in him and the Nigerian Navy, saying his appointment was “the highest honour” of his life.

‎‎He pledged his support to his successor, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, expressing confidence that the Nigerian Navy is on a “strong and positive trajectory” for future achievements.