Nigerian Navy Seeks Advanced Maritime Platforms, Technology Transfer at DIMDEX 2026
Nigerian Navy Chief Vice Admiral Idi Abbas highlights local shipbuilding achievements and calls for advanced maritime technology at DIMDEX 2026, Qatar.
Nigerian Navy Boosts Legal Capacity to Tackle Maritime Crime
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.
Navy battles illegal refiners, deactivates 71 sites, recovers 411,000 litres of crude
In a hide-and-seek effort that is yet to tackle the menace, the Nigerian Navy says its Special Forces deactivated no fewer than 70 illegal refinery sites and confiscated over 400,000 litres of stolen crude oil. The Navy said the exercise took place across the Niger Delta in July 2025 alone. This is contained in a monthly operational update issued on Friday by Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, in Abuja. Adams-Aliu said the intensified operations under the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity, were part of its effort to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage within Nigeria’s maritime domain. According to him, the crackdown led to the discovery and destruction of 120 dugout pits, illegal storage facilities, and various equipment used in crude oil theft and illegal refining across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States. He said the Navy denied oil thieves access to about 411,400 litres of crude oil, 87,825 litres of illegally-refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 72,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Providing key highlights of the operation, Naval spokesman said the troops had in July 4, discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites with over 66,000 litres of suspected crude and 40,000 litres of refined AGO at Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni in Rivers. He added that the operations conducted on July 14 led to multiple arrests and seizures in Akwa Ibom and Delta States, involving smuggling attempts to Cameroon and the uncovering of underground reservoirs containing thousands of litres of stolen crude oil. According to him, two large-scale illegal operations were dismantled on July 22 and 23, in Biseni Community, Bayelsa, with over 450,000 litres of crude oil recovered. Adams-Aliu noted that its personnel also intercepted several wooden boats used for smuggling PMS and other petroleum products, and arrested six suspected smugglers. He reaffirmed the navy’s resolve under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to stamp out oil theft and boost national oil production. According to him, navy’s operations have contributed to the recent milestone announced by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), confirming that Nigeria’s oil production has now exceeded 1.8 million barrels per day. “The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to ensure maritime safety, deter illicit activities, and uphold national security within the nation’s maritime domain,” he said. NAN reports that in a recent report released by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Nigeria lost a whopping 619.7 million barrels of oil valued at N16.25 trillion to theft between 2009 and 2020. NEITI, however highlighted a reduction from 36.69 million barrels lost in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels in 2023. This decrease, it said, is attributed to improved resource management and enhanced security measures
Nigerian Navy Seizes 50 Sacks Of Cannabis Worth N70m In Badagry Bust
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry, Lagos intercepted 50 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N70 million in the Gbethrome community. Lt. Cdr Kelly Umoru, FOB Base Operations Officer, reported on Sunday that the seizure occurred around 6:30 a.m. at an unfinished building close to the beach. Acting on a tip-off, naval operatives discovered the illicit substance stored in these abandoned premises. Umoru highlighted that each of the 50 seized sacks contained approximately 200 parcels of the suspected cannabis, collectively valued at N70 million in the market. “You will recall that on November 9, 2023, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Navy Command Operations, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hussan, flagged off an operation codenamed ‘Water Guard’ line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive. “FOB Badagry on Sunday, Nov.19, acting on credible human intelligence, stormed Gbethrome, and discovered 50 sacks of suspected cannabis sativa stored in an abandoned building near the beach. “Each of the sacks contains about 200 parcels. The market value of the items is N70million,” he said. This interception aligns with the ‘Water Guard’ operation, initiated on November 9, 2023, following the directive of Rear Admiral Mustapha Hussan, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Navy Command. The Nigerian Navy intends to hand over the confiscated items to the appropriate agency for further necessary action. This interception follows a similar incident on October 4, where the Navy in Badagry handed over 27 sacks of cannabis sativa, worth N35 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Navy Capt. Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, FOB Commanding Officer, stated that these items were seized on September 29 at Pako Beach in Badagry.
Navy Nabs 5 Smugglers, Impounds Wooden Boat With 18 Bags Of Rice
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom says it has nabbed five suspects and impounded a wooden boat together with 18 bags of rice in the state. The Commanding Officer (FOB) Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this in Ibaka when he handed over the suspects and bags of rice to Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) in Ibaka at the weekend. Aneke noted that the suspects were arrested around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday. He said the Nigerian Navy (FOB), Ibaka received intelligence regarding suspected smuggling activities within the area of operation. Aneke explained that the intelligence indicated that a boat was conveying some foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled from Cameroon to Nigeria and transiting within the waters under FOB, Ibaka Area of Operation. “Yesterday, we were able to intercept a wooden boat carrying 18 bags of parboiled rice that are contraband items and they were concealed under 600 baskets of Tomatoes. “Today, we are handing them to Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) for further investigation and persecution. “Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, criminal activities will not be tolerated on Nigerian waters. “We will continue to frustrate their efforts,” Aneke said. He urged officers and rating to continue to sustain the pressure, to deny any of the criminal individuals or groups further freedom of actions, for our national development to continue to be sustained on Nigerian waters. Aneke said that “FOB Ibaka under Eastern Naval Command will continue to detect you with our advanced surveillance equipment, apprehend you, and ensure your arrest and prosecution”. He warned criminal elements that Nigerian waters and the coastal areas were not safe for illegal activities. Handing over the suspects and contraband to NCS, Superintendent of Custom, Kikems Danbana, thanked the Nigerian Navy, especially FOB, Ibaka for the synergy going on between Navy and Joint Boarder Patrol Team Sector 1. “We wish that the synergy will continue in due time,” Danbana said. He said that the suspects and the contraband would be taken to Calabar for further action.
Nigerian Navy Nabs Six Impostors In Lagos
The Nigerian Navy has arrested six persons posing as Nigerian Navy personnel to engage in fraudulent activities. The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga stated at the weekend in Lagos, that the NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team arrested the suspects in a raid at Ajah area of Lagos State. “The raid resulted in the apprehension of impostors who carry out nefarious activities like extortion and intimidation of residents, among other despicable acts while claiming to be Navy personnel,’’ he stated. He added that two Toyota Hilux vehicles, fake Nigerian Navy identification cards and other related documents were seized from the impostors. “The impounded vehicles bearing the inscription `SAIL NAVY’, the suspects and other exhibits had been handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution,’’ Oguntuga stated. The commander urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to appropriate authorities as collective effort was crucial in safeguarding the public from potential and fraudulent activities. Oguntuga also stated that eight stowaways were arrested on board a vessel on Thursday during NNS BEECROFT’s routine patrol of the maritime environment. “NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team arrested the stowaways inside the vessel’s rudder compartment and handed them over to the appropriate authorities,’’ he added.
Nigerian Navy returns seized vessels involved in oil theft
In compliance with a court ruling, the Nigerian Navy has handed back a merchant tanker vessel, MV TIS IV, and a Barge Podium, which were impounded for their involvement in oil theft, to their respective owners over the weekend. Following the court conviction of the crew and the subsequent decision to forfeit the stolen crude to the federal government while returning the vessels to their owners, the Naval facility Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso in Brass, Bayelsa, witnessed the return of these impounded vessels. The MV TIS IV had been detained for two years, while the Barge Podium had been held for six years, both on allegations of engaging in crude oil theft. The release of these vessels was conducted in accordance with a directive from the Naval Headquarters, adhering to the court’s judgment. The handover took place at a brief ceremony at FOB Egwema, Brass, and was conducted by Commander Dantani Bukar, the Executive Officer of FOB, on behalf of Navy Captain Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who was represented. Commander Rogo recounted the circumstances leading to the vessels’ detention. MV TIS IV was apprehended on December 5, 2021, within the Akassa River creek in Bayelsa, while the Barge Podium was seized on May 15, 2017, in the Alaki area of Rivers State. The MV TIS IV, carrying 17 crew members and approximately 700,000 liters of suspected stolen crude, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. The crew members were found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The court further ruled that the vessel’s content be forfeited to the federal government, a process executed by the EFCC on February 23, 2023. Commander Rogo explained that the court also ordered the vessels’ release to their owners on bond. FOB Formoso, acting on the directives of the Naval Headquarters, facilitated the handover to the owners in the presence of EFCC representatives. He emphasized FOB Formoso’s commitment to upholding the strategic goals set by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in the battle against oil theft and illegal bunkering within the maritime domain. He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment, conducive to legitimate business operations and aligned with national security objectives.
Buhari procured 20 ships in eight years- Naval Chief
President Muhammadu Buhari bought 20 capital ships for the Nigerian Navy (NN) during the eight years of his administration, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba, said on Friday. According to Garba, who spoke via a signed statement, the ships comprise of Offshore Patrol Vessels, Landing Ship Transport, Hydrographic Survey Vessels, Seaward Defence Boats, Helicopters, as well as, over 300 Inshore Patrol Vessels and Assault crafts. According to him, Buhari’s contribution to the development of the NN during his administration, has set him to give receive a befitting Presidential Fleet Review (PFR). The PFR with the theme: ‘Fleet Readiness for National Prosperity’ will hold in Lagos from May 19 to May 22. The naval chief added that the president also commissioned two locally built ships in 2016 and in 2021 respectively and laid the keel for two more, which would be ready by 2024. “The PFR 2023 is therefore in honour of Buhari, in recognition of his generous contribution to the service and the nation at large. “It involves assemblage of ships and other maritime assets at a designated area for the purpose of demonstrating loyalty and allegiance to the state. “The review also provides an avenue for the president to assess the navy’s preparedness to meet statutory obligations in maritime security, safety and defence within a global collaborative approach,” he said. Garba said that the last PFR was conducted in 2010 in honour of then President Goodluck Jonathan, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. He also noted that the NN had attended many Fleet reviews of other countries with the nation’s Flag Ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) ARADU. “Also, the NN sent personnel to participate in the Bangladesh Navy Fleet Review in December 2022, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence,” he said. The naval chief said that the PFR-2023 exercise would involve 16 NN warships, 3 x AW109E NN helicopters and a mix of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft. “Foreign warships from allied nations like Spain, Brazil and Ghana are also set to participate in the exercise. “Other activities lined up for the day include capability demonstration by NN Special Forces, defence/maritime expo exhibition, combined naval parade and exercises,” he said. Garba said that the tenure of Buhari marked a period of profound transformation of the NN Fleet. He said that the president demonstrated enormous political will in ensuring the recapitalisation of the NN Fleet, which had become the pride of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). “Therefore, the PFR-2023 is in celebration of Mr President’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s naval assets and capability to project her instruments of maritime power for national prosperity,” Garba said.