The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has officially welcomed a new Commander, as Commodore Mutalib Ibikunle Raji assumed office as the 33rd Commanding Officer of the strategic naval base.
He takes over from Rear Admiral Cajethan Aniaku, who concluded an 18-month tenure marked by sustained operational leadership. The formal handover ceremony, held at the Commander’s Office, featured the signing of transition documents and the symbolic transfer of the Ship’s Flag and Staff of Office, signifying the change in leadership.
In his farewell address, Rear Admiral Aniaku expressed heartfelt appreciation to officers, ratings, civilian personnel, and members of the media for their steadfast cooperation throughout his tenure. He noted that their collective dedication was instrumental to the successes recorded during his time in command. He urged all personnel to extend the same loyalty and commitment to his successor, expressing strong confidence in Commodore Raji’s capacity to build upon existing achievements and elevate operational standards.
Commitment to Operational Excellence
In his maiden address, Commodore Raji conveyed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the command. He commended his predecessor for laying a solid foundation and assured personnel that he would consolidate on those gains.
The new Commander reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining high operational readiness in alignment with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s vision and strategic directives. He emphasized professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and operational efficiency as core pillars of his administration. He also highlighted the importance of robust logistics, effective command and control systems, and strengthened base security.
Commodore Raji stressed the strategic importance of NNS PATHFINDER in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, particularly in the Niger Delta region. He declared that the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, piracy, and other maritime crimes would remain a top operational priority under his leadership.
He further pledged to enhance intelligence-driven operations, boost surveillance and patrol activities, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies and maritime stakeholders to deny criminal elements freedom of operation within the command’s area of responsibility.
“Our maritime environment is vital to Nigeria’s economic stability,” he stated. “We will not relent in protecting critical national assets and ensuring that our waters remain secure.”
Beyond operational matters, Commodore Raji announced plans to sustain and improve personnel welfare programs. He promised to maintain an open-door leadership style, promote fairness in discipline, and reward excellence where due. According to him, improving living and working conditions, within available resources, as well as supporting continuous training and professional growth, will be key priorities.
He called on officers and ratings to remain mission-focused, disciplined, and loyal to the core values of the Nigerian Navy. He emphasized that unity, mutual trust, and collective commitment would be essential in addressing emerging security challenges.
As he formally assumed command, Commodore Raji pledged to serve with honour, courage, and total dedication to national service. He reaffirmed his resolve to uphold the Navy’s constitutional responsibilities and ensure that NNS PATHFINDER continues to stand as a formidable force in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting economic prosperity.
“All standing orders, regulations, and directives remain in effect,” he concluded, urging for cooperation, support, and prayers from all personnel as the command moves into a new phase of leadership.