TheCable

The Nigerian Navy says it is establishing a base in Kano state because it is intended to be home to the newly-created Nigerian Navy Logistics College.

The navy is making the clarification following criticisms over its decision to site a base in the north-western state.

In a statement, Suleman Dahun, naval spokesman, said all naval establishments and units are called bases notwithstanding their physical location.

Dahun said the navy’s decision is strategic in decongesting its presence in Lagos state.

“The navy board recently approved the establishment of 3 new naval bases in Lekki, Oguta and Kano. Out of these three locations, the decision to site a base in Kano has elicited debates and commentaries in the public,” he said.

“The base in Kano is intended to be home of the newly created Nigerian Navy Logistics College. For the benefit of doubt and the reading public, the Nigerian Navy is currently involved in various internal security operations beyond its primary maritime security roles.

“Aside from serving as a training establishment for Nigerian Navy logisticians, the base will also support NN operations in the hinterland.

“Members of the public are requested to note that the Nigerian Navy took a strategic decision to decongest its presence in Lagos area by expanding to other locations other than Lagos, Calabar, Warri and Port Harcourt.

“This decision led to the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College in Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology in Kachia, Kaduna as well as the School of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara state.”