FOC Eastern Naval Command Immortalizes Late Cdr Gideon Yashim Gwaza, Commends FOB Bonny’s Proactive Security Governance

In a bid to immortalize the demised erstwhile Base Operations Office of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny, late Commander Gideon Yashim Gwaza, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, has commissioned a gymnasium in his memory.

Rear Admiral Okehie commissioned the gymnasium is located inside the FOB Bonny on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, during his familiarisation visit to the Base in Bonny as part of his ongoing tour of units and establishments under his Command.

Late Commander Gwaza lost his life Tuesday, July 30, 2024 during an accident along the Opobo River when he led a team of 10 personnel of the FOB Bonny in two Interceptor Boats on a rescue mission to MV AMBIKA 4, MV AMBIKA 4, a dredging vessel working at Opobo field contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited.

After successfully rescuing all 59 passengers aboard the endangered vessel, which was at the risk of sinking near the Opobo River entrance, he paid the supreme price as he fell overboard accidentally during the rescue operation, which lasted for about 10 hours from midnight of July 29, 2024, to 10am on July 30, 2024.

The FOC, who was accompanied by the Command Operations Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Commodore C.E. Oji, and the Commander NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, was received on arrival by the Commanding Officer, Captain Emmanuel Fingesi.

He commended FOB Bonny for its proactive role in safeguarding critical national assets through sustained patrols and surveillance, while assuring the Base of necessary support to enhance its operational effectiveness.

The FOB Bonny Commanding Officer later briefed the FOC Eastern Naval Command on the Base’s operational activities and prevailing challenges.

During the visit, Rear Admiral Okehie inspected key facilities across the Base and formally commissioned the newly constructed Cdr GY Gwaza Gymnasium, built in honour of the late Commander GY Gwaza who paid the supreme price while serving as Base Operations Officer Bonny.

The FOC and his entourage also paid courtesy visits to the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAECL) and the Gas Liquefaction Plant of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

The day’s activities further included the Man and Cheer Ship Evolution of the ENC Sea Exercise, EX DIN MINGI, aimed at showcasing the operational readiness of the Eastern Fleet and strengthening civil–military cooperation with security agencies and maritime stakeholders.