Nigerian Navy Records Landmark Gains, Foils Over ₦34bn Worth of Maritime Crimes — Naval Chief
The Nigerian Navy (NN) has recorded significant operational successes over the past two years, denying oil thieves, pirates, and smugglers access to over ₦34.5 billion worth of crude oil, petroleum products, and other contraband goods.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed this at an expanded media parley in Abuja to mark the second year in office of service chiefs, which was hosted by Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa
Represented by Rear Admiral Olusegun Olukunle Soyemi, the Director Operations Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted achievements from June 2023 to June 2025.
He said the Navy has remained resolute in its mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain, responding effectively to evolving threats to ensure the security of the country’s waters and enhance economic prosperity.
A major highlight of the briefing was the Navy’s renewed crackdown on oil theft through Operation DELTA SANITY, launched in January 2024 and enhanced in December 2024 with integrated aerial surveillance and improved intelligence. Since the operation commenced, the Navy has arrested 76 vessels and 242 suspects, deactivated over 808 illegal refining sites, and seized over 27 million litres of crude oil and large quantities of illegally refined petroleum products. Additionally, 58 arms, 276 rounds of ammunition, 101 speedboats, and various smuggling tools were recovered. These efforts, according to the naval chief, have denied oil thieves and economic saboteurs illicit gains worth approximately ₦29.5 billion. He added that recent data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicates that crude oil theft has reduced to just 5,000 barrels per day, down from tens of thousands in previous years.
The Navy has also commenced fiscalisation duties at Nigeria’s five major crude oil terminals — Bonny, Brass, Escravos, Forcados, and Qua Iboe — to verify crude loading volumes and prevent export fraud.
Ogalla noted that no piracy incidents have been recorded in Nigerian waters since March 2022, largely due to consistent and credible naval presence. Sea robbery incidents have also declined significantly, boosting Nigeria’s global maritime reputation.
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The Navy’s anti-smuggling operations led to the interception of contraband including 4,610 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 1,467 bags of cannabis sativa, all worth over ₦5 billion. Over 1,800 naval personnel have been deployed in joint operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including operations Hadin Kai, Delta Safe, Safe Haven, and Whirl Stroke. The Navy’s contribution to humanitarian responses — particularly during the 2024 flooding in Maiduguri and cross-border security missions in Cameroon — was also lauded.
To bolster its capabilities, the Navy has acquired three new ships: NNS IKOGOSI, NNS FARO, and NNS SHERE, alongside three AW139 Trekker helicopters commissioned during the Navy’s 69th anniversary. Additional patrol boats and surveillance equipment were also procured. The Navy is constructing two Seaward Defence Boats (IV and V) and expects delivery of two 76-meter High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey’s Dearsan Shipyard to strengthen long-range patrols.
To meet rising security demands, the Navy established NNS MADUEKE in May 2024 to address insecurity in the South East. It also created the Nigerian Navy Marines (NNM) for rapid internal security response and a Special Operations Command in April 2025 to coordinate land-centric operations and special forces units.
The Navy’s hydrographic department has produced updated nautical charts and is currently conducting a detailed survey of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port site in support of Cross River State’s maritime development plans. Nigeria’s Navy is also actively engaged in regional maritime partnerships, including joint patrols with navies from the United States, United Kingdom, India, Brazil, and Spain under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct. Nigeria recently signed a memorandum with the African Union on strategic sealift operations, with further plans to operationalize a Combined Maritime Task Force to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea.
Looking ahead, the Nigerian Navy plans to acquire combat helicopters, military drones, frigates, fast patrol boats, tugboats, and patrol crafts. It also aims to deploy 20 additional houseboats to enhance its Choke Point security architecture in the Niger Delta.
Since assuming office in June 2023, Vice Admiral Ogalla affirmed that the Navy’s intensified operational tempo has thwarted maritime criminals and protected vital national assets. “With over ₦34.5 billion worth of illicit products denied to criminal elements, the Nigerian Navy stands more determined than ever to secure our maritime environment for national growth and development,” he concluded.
By PRNigeria
