By Evelyn Usman

The Nigerian Navy yesterday received a major boost in its maritime security operations with the addition of three new warships to its fleet and the launch of a Combined Maritime Task Force aimed at tackling emerging threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

The development came as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities, describing the service as the most formidable naval force in Africa.

In his keynote address during the International Fleet Review and International Maritime Exercise held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, the President said the acquisition of the vessels underscored the government’s determination to enhance maritime security, protect national assets and support economic growth.

According to him, “Our government’s commitment to the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy is further demonstrated today through the commissioning of three new vessels as we continue to promote indigenous shipbuilding capacity and provide the strategic support required for a responsive and capable naval force.”

The President noted that the Navy had evolved from a modest colonial marine outfit established in 1956 into a sophisticated maritime force that now serves as a pillar of national security and economic prosperity.

According to him, the service’s emergence as Africa’s leading naval force at the same time it marks its 70th anniversary reflects decades of operational excellence and strategic leadership.

“I must therefore extend my warmest congratulations to the Nigerian Navy for emerging as the most formidable naval force in Africa. This achievement signifies that the Navy has not only matured but has reached a pinnacle of continental leadership,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the Navy for maintaining security within Nigeria’s maritime domain through effective surveillance systems, rapid-response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations.

He said these efforts had resulted in the eradication of piracy in Nigerian waters, a significant reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, and improved safety for coastal communities.

He added that the gains had contributed to increased oil production and enhanced national economic growth, noting that they aligned with the theme of the event, “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence.”

Earlier, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force comprising six countries within the Gulf of Guinea to strengthen regional cooperation against maritime insecurity.

He said the initiative, backed by President Tinubu, would ensure sustained surveillance and rapid response to emerging threats within the strategic maritime corridor.

According to him, the task force, which was flagged off yesterday, would remain on standby to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Naval Chief explained that the task force was a product of years of collaboration among regional navies, which had collectively contributed to the Gulf of Guinea’s current zero-piracy status.

“We convene here not merely to celebrate an anniversary, but to reflect upon and reaffirm the profound bond between the government’s unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Navy and the Navy’s steadfast dedication to the ideals and aspirations of its people and leadership,” he said.

“Together, we have collectively advocated collaborative approaches to maritime security towards ensuring that the Gulf of Guinea maintains its zero-piracy status. This remarkable collaboration stands as a testament to our efforts and shared resolve.”

Vice Admiral Abbas stated that the Fleet Review, attended by foreign naval chiefs and representatives of allied countries, reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria’s leadership role in maritime security.

He further disclosed that the Navy was leveraging emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence, to improve maritime domain awareness and strengthen the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling and other transnational crimes.

In addition, he revealed that the Navy had recently trained and inducted its first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines, an elite force established to enhance maritime security operations, counter-terrorism efforts and inland security missions.

While acknowledging the progress made, the CNS assured Nigerians that the service would continue to collaborate with local and international partners to safeguard the nation’s maritime resources and create a secure environment for economic development.

The anniversary celebration featured an International Fleet Review, aerial combat displays and a parade of 26 ships from Nigeria and friendly foreign nations, showcasing the growing strength and strategic relevance of the Nigerian Navy within Africa and beyond.