The Nigerian Navy says it is establishing a base in Kano state because it is intended to be home to the newly-created Nigerian Navy Logistics College.
The navy is making the clarification following criticisms over its decision to site a base in the north-western state.
In a statement, Suleman Dahun, naval spokesman, said all naval establishments and units are called bases notwithstanding their physical location.
Dahun said the navy’s decision is strategic in decongesting its presence in Lagos state.
“The navy board recently approved the establishment of 3 new naval bases in Lekki, Oguta and Kano. Out of these three locations, the decision to site a base in Kano has elicited debates and commentaries in the public,” he said.
“The base in Kano is intended to be home of the newly created Nigerian Navy Logistics College. For the benefit of doubt and the reading public, the Nigerian Navy is currently involved in various internal security operations beyond its primary maritime security roles.
“Aside from serving as a training establishment for Nigerian Navy logisticians, the base will also support NN operations in the hinterland.
“Members of the public are requested to note that the Nigerian Navy took a strategic decision to decongest its presence in Lagos area by expanding to other locations other than Lagos, Calabar, Warri and Port Harcourt.
“This decision led to the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College in Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology in Kachia, Kaduna as well as the School of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara state.”
The Nigerian Navy has approved the establishment of Kano Naval Base in Kano State.
This was disclosed, Wednesday, by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, when he paid a courtesy visit on the governor of Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje at his office.
The Chief of Naval Staff is in Kano State for the Chief of Naval Staff Annual Conference 2021, between 1st and 4th September.
“Your Excellency I am glad to inform you that, the Nigerian Naval Board, has approved the establishment of Naval Base in Kano. Which falls among other Naval Bases approved by the Board in some selected states,” he reveals.
“We are equally thankful to His Excellency’s effort and support, by allocating 100 hectares of land for our new Naval Base in the state.
He added, “We have already appointed the Acting Commander of the Base, who is Captain Muhammad Abubakar Alhassan. Who should, henceforth, be part of the security architecture of the state.”
He said that when the Base has been established, ” it will contribute to showcase the effort of the Nigerian Navy for keeping the nation as one indivisible nation.”
“Your choice of Kano shows how confident you are concerning the security and safety of the state. It also tells others that Kano is safe, secured and peaceful.” Ganduje
“We are very grateful for the choice of Kano to have a Naval Base. This is highly instrumental. It gives us more and more courage to be above board in securing our dear state.
The newly appointed acting Commander of your Naval Base in Kano, will now be part of our security architecture. He will always be invited for our routine security meetings,” the governor Ganduje said.
