The Nigerian Navy has ramped up its efforts against crude oil theft and piracy, resulting in the seizure of 26 sea-going vessels and the arrest of 215 suspects throughout Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). This announcement was made by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, during the Naval Unit Abuja Socio-Cultural Activity for 2024. He highlighted the Navy’s significant achievements, including the discovery and deactivation of 468 illegal refinery sites over the past year.
Key successes reported by the CNS include:
- The seizure of 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil.
- The confiscation of 7 million litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO).
- The deactivation of 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks.
These operations have contributed to a notable increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, rising from 1.418 million barrels per day (bpd) in December 2023 to 1.8 million bpd by December 2024—a 20% boost.
Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized the Navy’s role in creating a conducive environment for the operationalization of marginal fields and enhancing oil and gas infrastructure, which in turn supports increased shipping activities, port development, and food security.
To further strengthen maritime security, the Navy has integrated new assets into its fleet, including:
- NNS ZUR, NNS CHALLAWA, and NNS OCHUZO.
- Three Leonardo A109 TREKKA helicopters for the Navy’s Air Arm.
- Several new patrol boats across various operational bases.
The Navy has also improved inter-agency collaboration by actively participating in joint military operations like Fasan Yamma, Hadin Kai, and Whirl Stroke, covering all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
On the international stage, the Nigerian Navy hosted significant maritime security events in 2024, including the International Maritime Conference & Regional Maritime Exercise in May-June and the 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies of Gulf of Guinea Countries in November. Additionally, the conceptual plan for the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea was finalized and presented to the African Union by President Bola Tinubu.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, commended the Navy and other security agencies for their contributions to improving security in Abuja. Represented by Mr. Olubiyi Sunday, he noted that the event’s theme—“Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Enhanced National Security through Sociocultural Harmony”—was particularly relevant. Wike stressed the importance of celebrating past successes to reassess strategies for enhancing security in 2025, highlighting progress in infrastructure, road construction, school rehabilitation, revenue generation, and overall security improvements in the FCT.
Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, Commander of Naval Unit Abuja, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to bolstering security through joint operations and infrastructural advancements at the Naval Base. The Naval Sociocultural Activity (NASA) 2024, which evolved from the traditional West African Social Activity (WASA), aimed to honour officers, soldiers, and their families for their hard work over the past year.
The event showcased traditional and contemporary dances, tug-of-war contests, and sack races, promoting camaraderie among security agencies. In closing, Vice Admiral Ogalla urged officers, ratings, and civilian staff to enhance their efforts in fulfilling the Navy’s constitutional mandate, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He affirmed the Navy’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and securing the nation’s economic assets.
