Navy Marks 68th Anniversary, Commits To Maritime Security

The Nigerian Navy, marking its 68th anniversary, has reiterated its commitment to tackling oil theft and enhancing maritime security.

Naval Chief of Policy and Plans,
Rear Admiral Joseph Daniel Akpan gave the reassurance, at an international press conference at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

Detailing the Navy’s achievements and future initiatives, Rear Admiral Akpan said activities to mark the 68th anniversary is scheduled to take place from May 24 to June 1 in Lagos.

According to him the celebrations will feature a range of activities showcasing the Navy’s operational readiness which includes religious services, medical outreaches, and activities organized by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association.

He noted that the highlight will be the Regional Maritime Exercise and International Maritime Conference, to be inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Rear Admiral Akpan emphasized the Navy’s significant progress under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s leadership, particularly in combating crude oil theft through OPERATION DELTA SANITY.

He explained that the launch in January 2024 has resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of vessels involved in oil theft, including MT KALI and MT SWEET HARBOUR SPIRIT.

This effort he said had positively impacted Nigeria’s crude oil exports, which increased from 1.23 million barrels per day in March to 1.28 million in April, according to OPEC.

He further stressed that the Navy’s total spectrum maritime strategy has bolstered maritime security across Nigeria’s waters, helping maintain a zero-piracy status in the International Maritime Bureau’s ratings.

He added that fleet renewal initiatives have further strengthened the Navy’s capabilities, with new vessels and helicopters enhancing anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations.

Additionally, he explained that the Navy has established a composite operations base in Enugu State to address security challenges in the Southeast and North-Central regions.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to international cooperation is evident in its participation in numerous exercises with global partners.

“The upcoming Regional Maritime Exercise will feature Navies from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, demonstrating a unified approach to maritime security”.

“Also the International Maritime Conference, themed “Promoting the Blue Economy in Africa through International Cooperation on Maritime Security,” will host delegations from 21 African countries and 17 non-African countries, along with 13 international organizations”.

Rear Admiral Akpan emphasized that the anniversary celebrations will culminate with the commissioning of new ships and helicopters, the opening of the International Maritime Exhibition, and a meeting of Gulf of Guinea Naval heads.

“These events underscore the Navy’s readiness for international collaboration and its pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy”

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji