‘Indispensable guardian of prosperity’ – Minister lauds Navy’s 69 years of sacrifice, unveils special Ops

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle on Sunday lauded the Nigerian Navy for its relentless efforts and sacrifices over the past 69 years in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain.

This came as the Minister unveiled the logo for the Nigerian Navy Special Operations Command (NNSOC), a strategic rapid deployment force, structured to conduct high-risk, land-based missions in support of internal security operations.

Speaking at the Ceremonial Sunset/Dinner marking the end of the Navy’s 69th anniversary celebrations at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos, Matawalle stated that the Navy’s efforts have led to a substantial reduction in oil theft, maritime crimes and other illegalities across Nigeria’s waters.

“Your 69 years of sacrifice are etched into the annals of our nation’s history,” Matawalle stated, describing the Nigerian Navy not merely as a defender but as an indispensable guardian of Nigerian prosperity.

He said, “For 69 years, the Navy has epitomize vigilance, resilience, and patriotism in an era where our economy relies on the security of our waters. The Nigerian Navy emerged not merely as a defender, but as an indispensable guardian of Nigerian prosperity.

“Tonight, we celebrate more than an anniversary. We honour a legacy, a legacy marked by the Nigerian Navy’s relentless efforts against piracy, oil theft, and maritime crime. A crusade that has restored hope to our coastal community and the stability to our vital waterways.
Your officers and rating in synergy with sister services as international allies have forged peace in our territorial waters.

“It is gratifying to equally respect your zeal, and patriotic commitment to the internal security duties on the hinterland and the nation’s adjoining waterways.”

Matawalle, while acknowledging existing resource gaps, affirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the Navy.

“In your unlenting resolve, while challenges of resource gap persist, let it be known that you do not stand alone. The federal government affirms its commitment to equip you with the tools, technology, and training required to meet this moment,” he assured.

The minister also praised the visionary leadership and bold reforms of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, noting the significant strides made in enhancing fleet readiness and operational capabilities under his command.

Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, iexplained that the sunset ceremony serves as a moment for reflection on achievements, fostering comradeship, and acknowledging the hard work of personnel.

Speaking on the Navy’s operational achievements, Ogalla said the Service has recorded significant accomplishments so far.

He detailed the Navy’s sustained maritime security operations, particularly Operation Delta Sanity, which he said was rejigged in January 2025 to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

He stated that the operation has led to numerous arrests, seizures of vessels and various quantities of petroleum products.

“This is in addition to our preparedness and training towards reaching all our statutory roles including our military role of defence of nation’s territorial integrity. We have achieved all these through continuous maritime surveillance, which ensured intelligence-driven and capabilities.

“We have also upskilled our fleet recapitalisation, infrastructural development and improved personnel welfare in line with the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021 to 2030.

“We have strengthened partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders and international partners to ensure conducive environment for shipping and to facilitate economic activities, ” he said.

Ogalla said the successes of the Navy’s operations in monitoring loading activities at offshore platforms have led to an increase in Nigeria’s daily oil production to about 1.7 million barrels per day as reported by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

Ogalla further highlighted the establishment of the Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines aimed at enhancing operational capability for land-based operations.

He also provided an update on the Navy’s shipbuilding program, with the construction of two 38-meter seaward boats and several naval security stations slated for completion first quarter of 2026.

These additions, he said, will reposition the Nigerian Navy to project naval power within the Gulf of Guinea region and beyond.

The CNS also highlighted massive infrastructure developments across various commands, including administrative blocks, jetties and barracks, with a goal to provide new accommodation for over 1,500 personnel by the end of 2025.

In the area of human capital development, Ogalla said the Navy under his watch have ensured adequate foreign and local training to improve the capacity of personnel, improve personnel remuneration and increase the recruiting base of offcers.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and the National Assembly for ensuring the necessary resources.

Ogalla urged Navy’s personnel to remain prepared for future tasks and sacrifices for the collective good of the nation, stating that “Our strength lies in our collective will to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of this nation.”

In his goodwill message, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, commended the Navy’s efficiency, stating, “The wealth of this nation lies within the maritime domain and your duties are critical to safeguarding it.”

A major highlight of the event was  awards presentation to personnel who distinguished themselves through gallantry and innovation.

The event was attended by a host of notable personalities, including the Chief of Defence Staff, various Service Chiefs, the Korean Ambassador, members of the Diplomatic Corps, heads of paramilitary agencies, retired naval chiefs, and members of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) amongst others.