the service to stem crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other crimes in Nigerian territorial waters or be fired.
Ezeoba said the Navy, under his leadership, would not tolerate complicity and complacency among its top officers.
The Navy chief spoke at the signing of Performance Evaluation contract with Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders in Abuja.
He warned that the leadership of the Navy was left with no other alternative than to ensure that the Presidential directive to eradicate the theft of crude oil and pipeline vandalism was carried out effectively.
He said those not ready to work had the option of resigning from the service.
Ezeoba added that henceforth, the Navy would not tolerate the embarrassment caused by the activities of a few individuals.
The CNS said, “I must make it clear to everybody sitting here today that whatever it is worth, the Navy as a matter of fact, has zero tolerance to ineptitude and complicity.
“I have said that before and I am saying it again for the very last time; let it be clear that anybody found to have engaged in act of complacency in the discharge of his duty particularly with regard to the mandate we have at hand will be dealt with according to the laws.
“As the saying goes, a word is enough for the wise; it is either you are ready to do this job in consonance with laid down rules or regulations or you just quietly get out.
“The embarrassment to the government and the armed forces of this country by actions or inactions of a few will not be tolerated any more. This is a clarion call for all naval officers to live up to their responsibilities.”
He called on Naval operatives to give the deserved attention to intelligence gathering that could be effectively exploited to track down the criminal elements operating in the nation’s maritime domain.
The CNS said it was important for all operational bases and commands to be strengthened to ensure that the Presidential directive was effectively carried.
He also urged the Navy to ensure effective inter agency collaboration in the discharge of their security duties.
