Western Zone INC Leadership Commends Nigerian Navy’s Professionalism, Seeks Stronger Partnership for Peace and Security
Pays Courtesy Visit to Commander, NNS Delta, Warri
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
WARRI, DELTA STATE – July 17, 2026: In a demonstration of its commitment to peace, security and sustainable development across the Niger Delta, the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, on Friday paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta), Warri, reaffirming the Ijaw nation’s resolve to continue supporting lawful security initiatives and strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the INC Western Zone, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M, comprised members of the Western Zonal Executive Council, Clan Chairmen, Clan Secretaries and other prominent leaders from Delta, Edo and Ondo States, the three states that make up the Western Zone of the Ijaw National Congress and fall within the operational jurisdiction of NNS Delta.
The visit underscored the longstanding relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw people, whose history, culture and economic survival are deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s waterways.
Receiving the delegation at the headquarters of NNS Delta in Warri, the Commander, Commodore Tasiu, warmly welcomed the visitors and expressed appreciation for what he described as a historic engagement between the Navy and the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Speaking during the visit, the Western Zonal Chairman, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, thanked the Commander, officers and ratings of NNS Delta for their warm reception, describing the visit as another milestone in the cordial relationship that has existed between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw Nation.
According to him, the Ijaw people appreciate the immense sacrifices made daily by officers and men of the Nigerian Navy in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters, combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea robbery and other criminal activities that threaten national economic interests.
“The Ijaw Nation has a rich maritime heritage. Our people have lived by the rivers and creeks for centuries, and our livelihood depends largely on the waterways. We therefore recognize the enormous responsibility being carried out by the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding our maritime environment and ensuring national security,” Barr. Kuete stated.
He emphasized that the professionalism, discipline and operational excellence displayed by the Nigerian Navy have significantly contributed to improving security across the Niger Delta.
Commends Synergy with Tantita
The INC Chairman also commended the growing collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and indigenous security stakeholders, particularly Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noting that the partnership has recorded tremendous successes in reducing crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
According to him, the improved security situation has translated into increased crude oil production, enhanced economic stability and greater confidence among investors operating within the Niger Delta region.
Barr. Kuete therefore appealed to the Federal Government to sustain its support for the Nigerian Navy through adequate funding, modern operational equipment, logistics and favourable policies that would enable the Service to consolidate on its achievements.
He stressed that national security should remain above partisan politics, adding that the protection of critical national assets and the safety of citizens must continue to receive priority attention.
INC Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
The Western Zonal Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of the Ijaw National Congress to promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding among all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.
He assured the Commander that the INC would continue to encourage community participation in lawful security efforts while discouraging criminality, violence and activities capable of undermining regional stability.
He noted that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and called on all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding lives, property and critical national infrastructure.
Commander Charges INC to Sustain Peace
Responding, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Tasiu, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress for the visit, describing it as timely and highly commendable.
He acknowledged the strategic role played by the Ijaw Nation within Nigeria’s maritime environment and urged the INC to continue serving as a bridge for peace among the various ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.
The Commander emphasized that security remains a shared responsibility, calling on community leaders to continue supporting the Nigerian Navy with credible information capable of preventing criminal activities within the waterways.
He assured the delegation that NNS Delta would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities professionally while strengthening cooperation with host communities in promoting peace and maritime security.
Symbolic Presentation of Plaque
One of the highlights of the visit was the presentation of a commemorative plaque by the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Tasiu, to the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M, in recognition of the Congress’ courtesy visit and its commitment to promoting peace, security, and constructive collaboration between the Ijaw people and the Nigerian Navy. The symbolic presentation further underscored the mutual respect and cordial relationship existing between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw National Congress, as both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustaining peace, maritime security, and community development across the Niger Delta.
The event also featured interactive discussions on community relations, maritime security, intelligence sharing and strategies for sustaining peace and stability across the Niger Delta.
The visit concluded with a group photograph involving officers of the Nigerian Navy and members of the INC Western Zone delegation, reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering stronger collaboration for the benefit of the region and the nation at large.
The engagement is widely seen as another significant step towards deepening mutual trust between security agencies and host communities, while reinforcing the shared responsibility of maintaining peace, protecting critical national assets and promoting sustainable development throughout the Niger Delta.
Source: Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone.
Report: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, Global Egberi Media International Ltd.
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