Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are now relatively safe following sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime crime, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said.
Speaking on the security situation across the nation’s waterways, Abbas said the Nigerian Navy had recorded significant gains in curbing illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery along Nigeria’s coastline.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe,” he said.
The Naval Chief acknowledged that crude oil theft and isolated incidents of sea robbery remain security concerns but noted that the Navy has largely succeeded in containing the threats through intensified surveillance and enforcement measures.
“What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail,” Abbas stated.
He also disclosed that the Navy has expanded its role beyond maritime security, with personnel currently deployed in joint operations across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions alongside other branches of the armed forces and security agencies.
According to him, the changing nature of modern security threats and the rise of asymmetric warfare prompted the establishment of the Nigerian Navy Marines, a specialised force designed to operate effectively on both land and water.
“It is in realisation of the changing dynamics of security and the asymmetric nature of the warfare we are fighting now that we decided to come up with the Nigerian Navy Marines,” he said.
Abbas revealed that the first batch of the newly created force has already been inducted and deployed.
“The first inaugural batch has been inducted, and so far, so good. They are doing well,” he added.
Despite highlighting improvements in maritime security, the Naval Chief expressed concern over delays in prosecuting maritime offenders.
He said vessels seized during anti-crime operations often remain in naval custody long after being handed over for prosecution, forcing the service to commit additional manpower and resources to their maintenance and security.
The remarks come as security agencies intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain, secure critical oil infrastructure and safeguard shipping routes vital to the country’s economy.
Abbas maintained that the Navy would continue to strengthen maritime security operations while supporting broader national security objectives across the country.
