President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared the Nigerian Navy the most formidable naval force in Africa, commending the Service for its commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation”s maritime domain.
Tinubu gave the commendation at the 2026 International Fleet Review and the flag off of the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) as part of events to commemorate the Navy’s 70th Anniversary
President Tinubu also commissioned three new naval warships: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara during the event held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos.
Speaking, Tinubu said the Navy’s sustained maritime security operations and stronger regional collaboration had helped Nigeria achieve zero piracy status in the Gulf of Guinea while significantly curbing crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
According to him, the Navy’s achievements were made possible through effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations.
“Through effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters. You have significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes,” he said.
President Tinubu described the Navy’s emergence as Africa’s leading naval force as a reflection of its transformation from its 1956 colonial marine origins into a modern and sophisticated maritime institution.
“I must therefore extend my warmest congratulations to the Nigerian Navy for emerging as the most formidable naval force in Africa,” Tinubu stated.
He also commended the Navy for its role in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country, particularly the contributions of the Special Boat Service and the newly inducted Navy Marines.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through fleet recapitalisation, indigenous shipbuilding and acquisition of modern platforms.
The President further lauded the establishment of the Combined Maritime Task Force, describing it as a major step toward deepening multinational cooperation in maritime governance and security within the Gulf of Guinea.
He specifically commended countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana and Liberia for supporting the initiative.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy had continued to strengthen maritime security collaboration with foreign navies and coast guards, resulting in improved security across the Gulf of Guinea.
Abbas explained that the Combined Maritime Task Force would remain on standby to tackle emerging maritime threats, support humanitarian operations and enhance peacekeeping efforts within the West African sub-region.
He disclosed that the Navy recently trained and inducted the first batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines in collaboration with allied partners to enhance maritime and inland security operations.
The naval chief added that the service had intensified efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and smuggling through the deployment of advanced technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence to improve maritime domain awareness.
He reaffirmed the loyalty and commitment of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, pledging that the Service would remain vigilant and resolute in defending Nigeria’s maritime domain against all threats.
He also commended the sacrifices of naval personnel, past and present, whose dedication has shaped the Nigerian Navy into a formidable force.
He assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to secure the nation’s maritime environment and sustain the gains already made in combating maritime crime.
The fleet review featured aerial combat displays, a fleet sail pass and operational assets from Nigeria and foreign partners.
The event attracted top government officials, foreign naval chiefs, diplomats, service chiefs, retired military officers and captains of industry, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu.
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