Recent operations by the Nigerian Navy in the Niger Delta region has been successful, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas said on Saturday.

Ibok who was represented by Rear Adm. Adeniyi Osinowo, Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Naval Headquarters said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the Third Quarter Route March, in Abuja.

Ibok said the tactical skills and training of naval personnel can be attributed to the success.

“We have significant cooperation as well from all cooperating agencies; we have sharpened our skills as operational concept.

“We also have dedicated anti-piracy units in place within the past few months.

“All these to a reasonable extent have decimated the undesirable series of attacks we noticed in the early part of this year.

“As it is now, we have limited attacks on offshore and on the oil and gas infrastructure,” Ibas said.

He said the route march was meant to test the fitness level of naval personnel.

“Physical fitness is important and indeed an essential requirement for combat readiness and efficiency in all our operations both afloat and ashore.

“What we are witnessing today is part of the NN programme for the year, the third quarter 10 kilometer route march.

“It is designed to not only test our physical fitness but to also equip ourselves whether ashore or afloat,” he said.

Azeez