Nigerian Navy Unveils New Acquisitions as It Marks 69th Anniversary
The Nigerian Navy has announced a series of landmark achievements, new acquisitions, and strategic initiatives ahead of its 69th Anniversary celebrations, set to hold from May 23 to June 1, 2025, in Lagos.
Speaking during an international press conference at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, the Chief of Policy and Plans, outlined the Navy’s recent successes under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. The anniversary, popularly referred to as “Navy Week,” commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Navy on June 1, 1956.
Landmark Achievements in Maritime Security
Rear Admiral Dewu highlighted the Navy’s enhanced operational readiness, particularly in the ongoing fight against crude oil theft. He noted that Operation Delta Sanity, launched in January 2024 and relaunched as Operation Delta Sanity II in December 2024, has recorded notable results.
In 2024, the Navy arrested 215 suspects and 26 vessels, deactivated 468 illegal refinery sites, and seized over 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil alongside 7 million litres of illegally refined diesel. Between January and May 2025, another 103 illegal sites were dismantled, with 34 suspects arrested and over 900,000 litres of crude and refined products recovered.
“These efforts are in direct response to the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to eradicate crude oil theft and boost Nigeria’s oil production and exports,” Dewu stated.
Strategic Maritime Presence and International Cooperation
The Nigerian Navy has maintained 24-hour surveillance of the nation’s maritime domain using Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity systems, contributing to Nigeria’s continued zero-piracy status as recognized by the International Maritime Bureau.
In line with regional maritime security goals, the Navy hosted the 8th Gulf of Guinea Navies and Coast Guards Symposium in November 2024. A key outcome of the symposium was the proposed establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force to improve coordinated patrols and joint operations in the region.
In February 2025, Nigeria’s Defence Minister signed a pact with the African Union allowing the Nigerian Navy to provide strategic sealift support for AU peace missions and humanitarian efforts. Dewu confirmed the Navy’s readiness to deliver on this responsibility.
Read Also:
Additionally, the Navy has concluded plans to establish a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State, to bolster security in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
New Assets and Regional Exercises
In its continued fleet renewal efforts, the Navy has taken delivery of three new patrol vessels — NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI — sourced from Singapore and South Korea. The ships, each measuring 38 metres with a five-day endurance capacity, arrived in December 2024.
Three newly acquired Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters will also be commissioned, bringing the Navy’s air fleet to 14 and significantly enhancing its aerial operations.
“These platforms will increase our presence at sea and enhance maritime security operations within our coastal and contiguous zones,” Dewu added.
The Nigerian Navy also recently concluded Exercise Obangame Express 2025, held from May 10–16. The multinational maritime security drill included navies from the U.S., Brazil, Italy, Spain, and Gulf of Guinea nations, reinforcing joint efforts to combat maritime crimes.
Calendar of Anniversary Activities
The Navy Week will kick off with a special Juma’at prayer on May 23 at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, followed by an interdenominational church service on May 25 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Navy Town, Lagos.
Other key events include:
May 26: Medical outreach and Naval Officers’ Wives Association community service in host communities.
May 28: Sailing competition, boat race, and unveiling of the remodeled International Maritime Institute auditorium.
May 29: Open Ship Day across naval commands in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.
May 30: Sea experience tours for civilians and a golf tournament at Dolphin Golf Club.
May 31: Commissioning of three ships, three helicopters, and new junior officers’ accommodation at NNS BEECROFT, Apapa.
June 1: Ceremonial Sunset and Grand Dinner at Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island.
Call for Media Partnership
Rear Admiral Dewu thanked members of the press for their continued support and urged them to give widespread coverage to the anniversary activities.
“The Nigerian Navy is committed to safeguarding our maritime domain and supporting national development. We call on the media to highlight our efforts and milestones as we commemorate this historic occasion,” he said.
By PRNigeria
