The Nigerian Navy has launched a renewed drive to strengthen its legal capacity in response to rising concerns over failed maritime prosecutions, procedural lapses, and the growing complexity of enforcing the law across Nigeria’s waters.
Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, Chief of Administration of the Navy, announced the initiative at the opening of the Navy’s inaugural Legal Training Seminar in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mamman described legal weaknesses as a critical national security gap, allowing maritime offenders to exploit loopholes and evade justice. He said the three-day seminar, themed “Strategic Enforcement of Maritime and Labour Law for Enhanced Naval Operations and Justice Delivery in Nigeria,” is aimed at addressing systemic shortcomings in handling maritime crimes, including piracy, illegal oil bunkering, smuggling, and unlawful vessel operations.
“The challenges in prosecuting maritime-related offences are no longer abstract—they affect operations, morale, and national security. Too many cases collapse due to technicalities and avoidable errors. This must stop,” Mamman said.
He identified four major problem areas: weak prosecution due to poor documentation, mishandled evidence, and gaps in inter-agency coordination; procedural inconsistencies in Standing Courts Martial; labour and personnel-related disputes; and issues in civil–military relations and rules of engagement, which intersect with human rights and international law.
Mamman emphasized that the seminar will equip naval legal officers with enhanced skills in maritime law enforcement, vessel detention procedures, prosecution of maritime and military offences, and compliance with national and international legal frameworks. He noted that hosting the seminar at a Nigerian Army facility underscores the growing tri-service approach to operational justice.
He also commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for championing legal reforms and supporting initiatives to strengthen legal professionalism.
Representing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Director Legal of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Usman Muhammed, praised the Navy for its commitment to upholding the rule of law. He described the seminar as a testament to the Navy’s dedication to professionalism and its resolve to operate within legal frameworks.
“The Nigerian Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s interests. It is imperative that operations are guided by a thorough understanding of laws governing both land and sea,” Muhammed said, urging participants to leverage the seminar to enhance their expertise and share knowledge with colleagues.
The event also featured paper presentations by prominent legal professionals from the military, judiciary, and academia, providing a platform to tackle legal challenges and reinforce the Navy’s operational effectiveness.
