The Chief of Naval Staff-designate, Rear Admiral I. Abbas, has pledged to integrate advanced technology into naval operations.

Abbas, who stated this while responding to questions during his screening by the Senate on Wednesday, said technology, particularly drone surveillance, can be used to curb maritime crimes and improve the efficiency of the Force.

“We will incorporate more technology, including the use of drones, to tackle maritime crime.

“A lot of resources are currently wasted fuelling boats to reach remote areas. Technology will help us respond faster and more effectively,” he disclosed.

On the issue of creating a coast guard, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, questioned the necessity of such a body.

But the new naval chief asserted that establishing a new agency was not necessary and would amount to duplicating functions.

“We don’t need a separate coast guard because the Nigerian Navy already performs those functions.

“Creating another agency would duplicate efforts. It’s better to channel those funds toward boosting naval operations,” he said.

Addressing the persistent problem of oil theft, Abbas described it as a challenge largely confined to hard-to-reach areas.

“The theft may appear minimal individually, but when accumulated, it becomes substantial.

“We’re exploring drone technology to monitor and plug these leakages,” the senior military officer added.

He also weighed in on the deradicalisation of repentant criminals, agreeing with the Chief of Army Staff on the potential benefits but acknowledging the emotional toll it takes on victims’ families.

Concluding his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff-designate underlined the need for greater synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies.

Abbas is among the new service chiefs appointed by President Bola Tinubu last week.

Others are Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major-General W. Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, and Air Vice Marshall S. K. Aneke as the Chief of Air Staff. (Channels TV)