CNS Abbas Orders Intensified Naval Operations to Protect Nigeria’s Territorial Waters
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has charged commanders of Nigerian Navy formations, units and establishments to intensify operations and leverage intelligence and modern technology to enhance maritime security across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Vice Admiral Abbas gave the directive during a strategic meeting with Flag Officers Commanding, commanders of tri-service operations, operations bases and logistics groups at the Naval Headquarters on 10 March 2026.
The Naval Chief emphasised the need for commanders to remain committed to the Navy’s core values of professionalism, integrity and teamwork, while sustaining efforts to combat criminal activities within the nation’s maritime domain.
The meeting, held four months after he assumed office, formed part of efforts to recalibrate the Nigerian Navy’s operational strategies in line with the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
According to him, the engagement followed an extensive operational tour across various naval formations, where he interacted with personnel and key stakeholders to assess ongoing operations and identify areas for improvement.
Vice Admiral Abbas noted that the consultations align with his vision of building a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting national security objectives in collaboration with other security agencies.
The CNS also commended the operational achievements recorded under the Nigerian Navy’s flagship mission, Operation Delta Sentinel, alongside other naval operations across the country.
He highlighted the growing success of intelligence-led and technology-driven operations, which have led to the seizure of stolen crude oil, destruction of illegal refining sites, arrest of illegal bunkerers and improved search-and-rescue missions.
“These operations have ensured zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s waters, boosted crude oil production and saved the nation billions of naira that could have been lost to criminal elements,” he stated.
Vice Admiral Abbas further assured personnel of the Federal Government’s continued support, noting that strategic investments are being made to strengthen naval capabilities and improve the welfare of officers and ratings.
The Naval Chief also acknowledged the Nigerian Navy’s role in ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across joint military theatres nationwide, urging commanders to sustain collaboration with the Army, Air Force and other security agencies.
He noted that expectations from the Presidency remain high and tasked commanders to maintain operational momentum and prevent the erosion of gains already recorded.
Reiterating his command philosophy, Vice Admiral Abbas stressed the importance of discipline, integrity, merit, accountability and personnel welfare, adding that merit-based recognition remains critical for motivating personnel.
He therefore urged commanders to take personal responsibility for the personnel and equipment under their command, while ensuring that available resources are effectively utilised to enhance the overall efficiency of the Nigerian Navy.
