The leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism, discipline, and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's maritime domain, while reaffirming its readiness to strengthen collaboration in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the INC Western Zone led by its Chairman, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LL.M, to the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Warri, Commodore Tasiu, on Friday, July 17, 2026.

The INC Western Zone delegation comprised members of the Western Zonal Executive Council, Clan Chairmen, Clan Secretaries, and other leaders from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States—the three states that make up the Western Zone of the lINC and fall within the operational jurisdiction of NNS Delta.

The visit, according to the INC leadership, was aimed at strengthening the longstanding cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw people, appreciating the sacrifices of naval personnel in protecting Nigeria's maritime environment, and fostering closer collaboration between security agencies and host communities.

Speaking during the engagement, Barr. Kuete expressed gratitude to the Commander and personnel of NNS Delta for the warm reception accorded the delegation, describing the invitation as a testament to the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the Ijaw people, who he noted, have a rich maritime heritage, with their culture, economy, and livelihoods deeply rooted in the waterways, making the Navy's role in protecting the nation's maritime assets particularly significant.

Barr. Kuete praised the Nigerian Navy for its dedication in combating crude oil theft, piracy, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes, describing the Service as a critical pillar in Nigeria's economic and national security architecture.

He further commended the Navy's professionalism, operational excellence, and effective collaboration with indigenous security stakeholders, particularly Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noting that the partnership has contributed significantly to the reduction of crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta.

The INC Western Zone Chairman called on the Federal Government to sustain its support for the Nigerian Navy through the provision of adequate logistics, operational resources, and policy backing to enable the Service to consolidate the gains recorded in restoring peace and security within the region.

Barr. Kuete emphasized that the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta continues to generate substantial economic and security benefits for the nation, urging the Federal Government not to politicize the protection of critical national assets and the safety of citizens, and also reaffirmed the commitment of the INC to working closely with lawful security agencies in promoting peace, dialogue, mutual trust, and community-based security initiatives across the Niger Delta.

Responding, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Tasiu, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the INC for what he described as a historic and timely visit.

He acknowledged the strategic role of the INC as the foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Ijaw people and urged the organization, particularly its Western Zone leadership, to continue championing peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

The Commander stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between traditional institutions, community leaders, socio-cultural organizations, and security agencies in preserving peace, protecting critical national infrastructure, and promoting regional development.

He reiterated the Nigerian Navy's commitment to maintaining professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities while strengthening partnerships with host communities to ensure lasting peace and maritime security in the Niger Delta.

The meeting between the INC and the NNS Delta reaffirms their shared commitment to fostering stronger cooperation, mutual respect, and sustained engagement in the collective interest of peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta region.

View photos of visitation: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19CGpCPDzo/