INC Western Zone Visits NNS Delta, Commends Navy’s Professionalism, Discipline, Community Relations

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, on Friday, 17th July 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Warri, Commodore Tasiu, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

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 leaders drawn from Delta, Edo and Ondo States, which constitute the Western Zone of the Ijaw National Congress and also fall within the operational jurisdiction of NNS Delta.

The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw people, appreciating the Navy’s sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment, and promoting stronger collaboration between security agencies and host communities.

Speaking during the visit, the Western Zonal Chairman, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, expressed profound appreciation to the Commander and the officers and ratings of NNS Delta for the warm reception accorded the delegation.

He stated, “On behalf of the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, comprising Delta, Edo and Ondo States, we extend our profound gratitude to the Commander and the entire officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Warri, for graciously receiving us. We consider this invitation a great honour and a clear demonstration of the longstanding cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw people”

“The Ijaw Nation has a rich historical relationship with the sea. Our culture, livelihood and economy are deeply connected to the waterways. We therefore recognize and sincerely appreciate the enormous sacrifices made daily by the Nigerian Navy in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, safeguarding critical national assets, combating crude oil theft, piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes.”

Barr. Kuete particularly commended the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism, discipline, operational excellence and effective collaboration with indigenous security stakeholders, *especially Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited,* noting that such synergy has significantly reduced crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta.

He urged the Federal Government to sustain its support for the Nigerian Navy by providing adequate operational resources, logistics and policy backing to enable the Service to consolidate the prevailing peace and improved security within the region.

According to him, “The relative peace currently being enjoyed in the Niger Delta is yielding positive economic and security benefits to the nation. We therefore appeal to the Federal Government not to politicize the security of our national assets and the lives of our people but to continue supporting the Nigerian Navy, particularly NNS Delta, in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.”

The INC Chairman further reaffirmed the commitment of the Ijaw National Congress to partnering with all lawful security agencies in promoting peace, dialogue, mutual trust and community-driven security initiatives throughout the Niger Delta.

Responding, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Tasiu, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress for the historic visit and described the engagement as timely and commendable.

He noted that as the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Ijaw people, the Ijaw National Congress has a critical responsibility to continue promoting peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

According to the Commander, “The Ijaw National Congress, particularly the Western Zone, should remain steadfast in promoting peace and unity”