By Evelyn Usman

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain, just as the Nigerian Navy said it had recorded significant gains in curbing oil theft, piracy, and other maritime crimes.

The development was highlighted during the Ceremonial Sunset and Awards Night,an annual event that marked the conclusion of naval activities for the year and recognises personnel who have distinguished themselves in service, held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, commended the Navy for its professionalism and operational successes, noting that “the Nigerian Navy has continued to use modern technology and strong operations to tackle threats at sea. Our waters and the Gulf of Guinea have remained safer as a result of these sustained efforts.”

Matawalle emphasised that maritime security was critical not only for national safety but also for protecting Nigeria’s economy.

“I must commend the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy for reducing sea robbery, crude oil theft, and other illegal activities in our maritime region,” he said, stressing the importance of collaboration with other security agencies in safeguarding coastal and riverine communities.

Highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment, the minister assured personnel of continued support and resources to sustain operations.

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to addressing challenges relating to platforms, equipment, and logistics so that the Nigerian Navy can perform even better,” Matawalle said, urging officers to remain focused and vigilant.

Represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the Navy’s critical role in protecting Lagos’ waterways and maritime economy.

He said “Even when the day ends, duty does not end. Long after the rest of us retire for the night, the Nigerian Navy keeps watch, step-by-step alert, and on the way to win,” the governor said, urging continued discipline and dedication from naval personnel.

In his welcome address, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, outlined operational achievements over the year, noting, “We have doubled our efforts through enhanced maritime security operations to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and piracy. Operations such as Delta Sanity 2 have recorded notable successes, including arrests of vessels and suspects involved in oil theft.”

Vice Admiral Abass also highlighted fleet modernisation and capacity development, saying, “This year alone, we commissioned three AW109 helicopters, took delivery of 18 unmanned aerial vessels, and added five fast patrol boats to our fleet. We have also progressed in constructing two 43-metre seaward defence boats, to be completed by mid-next year.”

On personnel welfare, the naval chief stressed that human capacity remains the Navy’s greatest asset, noting that “We provided medical evacuation for personnel and their families, and improved educational sponsorships for families of our deceased personnel. These initiatives ensure our officers remain motivated and capable,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abass urged, officers and men to be mindful of the tasks ahead and ensure that the Navy remained committed to its statutory role of protecting the nation’s maritime domain.”

Present at the event which concluded with calls for continued vigilance and inter-agency cooperation, as the Navy prepares for its 70th anniversary in 2026, including an international fleet review, were retired senior naval personnel, asmong who was the immediate past CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (rtd) and those from other services .