The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has announced that Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in maritime security, with zero reported piracy incidents in its territorial waters for four consecutive years. This achievement was disclosed during the graduation ceremony of participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 at the Naval War College Nigeria in Calabar on Tuesday.
According to Abbas, this accomplishment reflects improved maritime security and highlights the need for the Nigerian Navy to sustain its operational tempo against emerging threats in the nation’s maritime domain. He emphasized that these gains must be sustained through persistent maritime domain awareness, credible presence at sea, regional cooperation, and timely response.
The Naval Chief stressed that maritime security remains inseparable from Nigeria’s economic security, given the importance of the country’s offshore resources, ports, shipping routes, and energy infrastructure. He noted that the Navy is intensifying operations against crude oil theft, illegal mining, and other forms of economic sabotage capable of undermining national revenue.
Nigeria’s crude oil production has reached about 1.56 million barrels per day in June 2026, with sustained security of the maritime environment remaining critical to protecting the country’s economic interests. The Nigerian Navy is working to build on the gains recorded in maritime security by deploying emerging technologies and innovative operational strategies.
The graduating officers were charged with integrating technology, intelligence, and operational capabilities across maritime, land, cyber, and other domains to address the rapidly changing security environment. A research project presented by one of the participants, titled “Adopting Emerging Technology for Operational Effectiveness in the Nigerian Navy: The Way Forward for Naval Engineering,” highlighted the importance of technology to future naval operations.
The Naval Chief noted that the Navy’s responsibilities extend beyond the maritime environment, with its personnel and specialized capabilities supporting joint operations against terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national security. The Commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Adm. Muhammed Muye, stated that the course was designed to prepare senior officers for higher responsibilities in command, staff, and strategic leadership.
The Naval Warfare Course 10 had 34 participants, including those from Cameroon, Ghana, and Liberia. The course aimed to equip senior officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle emerging security challenges in the maritime domain.
Key points
- Nigeria has recorded zero reported piracy incidents in its territorial waters for four consecutive years.
- The Nigerian Navy is intensifying operations against crude oil theft, illegal mining, and other forms of economic sabotage.
- The Navy is working to build on the gains recorded in maritime security by deploying emerging technologies and innovative operational strategies.
