The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against sea piracy, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes in a bid to strengthen security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Rear Adm. Abdulrahman Mohammed, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS), gave the assurance on Friday during a Jumat prayer held in Onne, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary.
He said sustained naval operations had contributed significantly to improved maritime safety, noting that Nigeria has recorded no sea piracy attacks within its waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea for over three years.
“Through the efforts of the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders, Nigeria has curtailed piracy in Nigerian waters and the larger Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
“The absence of pirate attacks over the past three years demonstrates that the Navy’s security strategies are yielding positive results,” he added.
Mohammed described the Navy’s 70th anniversary as a major milestone, stressing that the service has remained central to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maritime environment since its establishment.
“For 70 years, the Nigerian Navy has protected Nigeria’s maritime domain against crimes and threats to territorial integrity,” he stated.
He explained that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the Navy’s achievements in safeguarding national security and supporting economic activities.
The commandant also highlighted the role of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School as a key institution responsible for training personnel who form the backbone of naval operations nationwide.
According to him, the institution serves as the first point of contact for recruits entering the Nigerian Navy and has contributed significantly to operational success over the years.
“Personnel trained here are equipped with the military bearing and professional capacity to serve effectively in maritime security operations,” he said.
Mohammed assured that the Navy would continue to strengthen its capacity to ensure a safer maritime environment for economic and commercial activities.
He also pledged to build on existing achievements by improving training infrastructure and enhancing institutional capacity at the school.
“Leadership is a continuum. I will build on the existing efforts and take the training school to the next level in the areas of infrastructure development and training capacity,” he added.
