By Olayemi Esan,
The Nigerian Navy has sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy status, recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, and deactivated 168 illegal refining sites within the first year of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of the Naval Staff.
The achievements, recorded between October 30, 2025, and November 4, 2026, also include the destruction of 363 dugout pits, arrest of 259 suspects, seizure of four vessels and securing of nine convictions for offences relating to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The Navy disclosed this in a performance report highlighting the major operational, infrastructural and institutional milestones recorded under Abbas’ leadership.
A major operational development was the activation of Operation DELTA SENTINEL in January 2026 to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
In furtherance of its fleet renewal programme, the Nigerian Navy commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels — NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA — in June 2026 to strengthen maritime surveillance, improve operational reach and enhance response capabilities.
The Service also recorded significant progress in infrastructure development and personnel welfare, with over 36 projects commissioned. The projects include accommodation, medical, office and multipurpose facilities.
It also commenced the development of a 200-bed Reference Hospital at Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery for personnel and their families.
Beyond its core maritime security responsibilities, the Navy completed over 93 community development projects under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (CNS-SIQIP) and other community initiatives.
The projects include 18 solar-powered boreholes, renovation of 11 school buildings, construction and equipping of 11 healthcare centres, as well as electricity infrastructure provided to three communities.
In the area of human capacity development, the Navy graduated and inducted its inaugural batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, who have been deployed to reinforce ongoing military operations, particularly against asymmetric threats in northern Nigeria.
Training of a second batch of Nigerian Navy Marines is also ongoing to further strengthen the Service’s specialised operational capacity.
On regional and international maritime cooperation, the Navy participated in major multinational exercises, including OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, COASTAL GRIP 2, GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2026 and CROCODILE LIFT.
Another major milestone was the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea during the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations in June 2026, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and collective maritime security.
The achievements underscore the Navy’s renewed focus on maritime security, fleet modernisation, personnel development, protection of critical national assets and community engagement under Abbas’ leadership.
The Service said the initiatives reflect its commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to national security, economic growth and prosperity.
