Sokoto — The Nigeria Navy must tackle hostage takers and oil bunkerers in the Niger Delta region for the nation to achieve socio-economic development, says defence minister, Yayale Mahmud Ahmed.

The minister made the statement yesterday during the opening ceremony of the second Chief of Naval Staff Annual Training Conference, (CONSTRC) in Sokoto.

"The Nigeria Navy is constitutionally charged with maintaining security in the region (Niger Delta) as it positions itself well to carry out this function

effectively by curbing incidences of hostage taking, sea piracy and illegal bunkering in the nation," he said.

He called on the leadership of the Navy to be committed to tackling the problem decisively as every encouragement required in achieving the goal will be extended to them.

He further added that the conference will amplify the need for coordinated efforts with regards to logistics support that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Ganiyu T A Adekeye said the choice of Sokoto State as venue for the conference was informed by the tradition of rotating the venues to all parts of the country.

He noted that the idea of changing the title of the conference from Chief of Naval Staff Annual Conference (CONSAC) to 'Training Conference' is to focus on a pro-active intellectual approach to Nigeria Navy operational and man power development requirement.

He added that the three vital points evolved from the first training conference have been implemented with the promulgation of the new navy policy, resumption of foreign cruises and the reorganization of logistics.

Declaring the conference open, the governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako, attributed the progress in the Navy to committed and highly trained officers and rating.

He added that the military in a democracy is important it plays a vital role in crisis management.

The conference which will end next Friday has a theme "Logistics for Enhanced Naval Operation and Capabilities."