- Commissions Three Warships, Says Navy Has Eradicated Piracy, Curtailed Crude Oil Theft, Other Transnational Crimes
- Expresses Optimism Deployment Of Nigerian Navy Marines To Operational Theatres Will Further Strengthen Nigeria’s Security
President Bola Tinubu on Monday showered praise on the Nigerian Navy for what he described as seven decades of “operational excellence,” declaring the maritime force an indispensable pillar of Nigeria’s national and regional security as he commissioned three new naval vessels in Lagos.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront to mark the Navy’s 70th anniversary, the President applauded the Service for its relentless war against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling and other transnational crimes that have long threatened Nigeria’s economy.
The President formally commissioned three naval platforms—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara—while commending naval personnel for protecting the nation’s territorial waters and boosting confidence in the maritime sector.
“Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes,” Tinubu said.
According to him, the Navy’s operations have helped increase oil production, strengthen national revenue and improve investor confidence in the country’s maritime economy.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade. I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast guardianship of this strategic space,” he stated.
The President also praised the Navy’s role beyond the nation’s waterways, highlighting its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country.
“Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country. The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions are truly commendable,” he said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that the recent deployment of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres would further strengthen the country’s security architecture.
“With the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded. Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” he added.
The President described the anniversary theme, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” as a reflection of the Navy’s achievements rather than a mere slogan.
“Your theme for this milestone event is not merely a slogan, but a proven reality. As we look to the future, I am confident that the Nigerian Navy will sustain this momentum and continue to secure the maritime environment as a thriving engine of our blue economy,” he declared.
Tinubu also acknowledged the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies, neighbouring Gulf of Guinea countries and international partners in making the region safer for maritime commerce and navigation.
He reassured the military hierarchy of his administration’s commitment to strengthening naval capabilities through sustained investment in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed the Navy’s recent operational successes to strong presidential backing, strategic investments and enhanced surveillance capabilities.
According to him, the acquisition of modern platforms and improved cooperation among security agencies have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
“These interventions have enabled the Nigerian Navy to intensify efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery and other transnational maritime crimes within the Gulf of Guinea,” Abbas said.
The naval chief reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, vowing that the Service would remain vigilant against threats to Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also paid tribute to past and present naval personnel whose sacrifices, he said, transformed the Nigerian Navy into one of the region’s most formidable maritime forces.
“We will continue to leverage technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime environment and sustain the gains already made in combating maritime crime,” Abbas pledged.
The colourful ceremony attracted top government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations and security stakeholders, underscoring the growing importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Among those in attendance were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and several service chiefs, alongside naval commanders from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The event formed part of activities commemorating 70 years of the Nigerian Navy’s service to the nation and showcased Nigeria’s growing maritime capabilities amid ongoing efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea and protect critical economic assets.
