The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, has assumed office with a firm pledge to intensify the fight against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes undermining Nigeria’s economic stability.
Zig Diaries | Defence
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025
Time: 14:45 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
During the handing-over ceremony at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged that while notable progress had been made, Nigeria’s maritime environment remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities jeopardising national security and economic prosperity.
According to a statement by the Naval Public Relations Directorate, Rear Admiral Abbas outlined strategic priorities that would define his tenure. These include strengthening maritime security, enhancing fleet capability through aggressive renewal and greater use of technology, prioritising personnel training and welfare, and deepening collaboration with other security agencies.
He said, “I am not unaware that our maritime environment remains threatened by crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking. These crimes not only undermine our national economy and energy security but also threaten the livelihoods of our coastal communities.”
“To confront these challenges decisively, my tenure will be guided by a clear and actionable strategic approach-focusing on strengthening maritime security, enhancing fleet renewal, prioritising personnel welfare, and fostering inter-agency synergy, regional and international collaboration,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment, Rear Admiral Abbas described the opportunity to lead the Nigerian Navy as “a privilege and a sacred trust.” He pledged to serve with integrity, professionalism, and loyalty to the nation, while keeping personnel welfare a top priority.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, lauding his “visionary leadership and service,” which, he said, laid a solid foundation for progress within the service.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, recounted the major milestones achieved under his command. He noted that the Nigerian Navy made “significant strides” in securing the nation’s maritime domain, with no piracy incident recorded during his tenure.
Ogalla recalled that the Navy was removed from the International Maritime Bureau’s Global Piracy Report in March 2022 and credited this success to sustained operational effectiveness. He highlighted the launch of Operation Delta Sanity in January 2024, later succeeded by Delta Sanity II in December 2024, as a key turning point in curbing oil theft and illegal refining.
“Since the launch of the operation, over 800 illegal refining sites and 5,515 storage facilities were deactivated, with over 240 suspects and 76 vessels arrested,” Ogalla stated.
He further revealed that, following a presidential directive, the Navy took over fiscalisation duties at major oil and gas export terminals - a move that boosted transparency and contributed to Nigeria’s highest oil production level in a decade.
Highlighting fleet modernisation efforts, Ogalla noted that under his leadership, the Navy acquired two survey vessels, 57 riverine boats, seven fast patrol boats, six insurrection patrol crafts, three tugboats, and two capital ships. The service also procured five transport helicopters, five logistics barges, and 23 unmanned aerial vehicles, while indigenous shipbuilding continued with the nearing completion of Seaward Defence Boats 4 and 5 at the Naval Dockyard.
“We equally implemented a comprehensive maintenance programme to ensure existing assets remain in optimal condition, thereby extending their service life and operational readiness,” he added.
Rear Admiral Abbas, in closing, assured Nigerians that the Navy under his watch would work tirelessly to protect national waters and contribute to the growth of the blue economy.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Navy, Idi Abbas, Emmanuel Ogalla, Defence Headquarters, Maritime Security, Crude Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering, Operation Delta Sanity, Blue Economy
#ZigDiariesDefence #NigerianNavy #MaritimeSecurity #OilTheft #ZigDiaries
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