…Declares main beneficial properties in crackdown on oil theft forward of 69th anniversary

The Nigerian Navy will fee three new patrol vessels and three helicopters as a part of occasions marking its 69th anniversary, in a significant enhance to maritime safety and the struggle towards financial sabotage.

The additions are anticipated to considerably strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities, notably in its ongoing struggle towards crude oil theft and piracy within the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea.

The brand new patrol vessels, NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi, had been acquired from Singapore and South Korea.

Every vessel is 38 metres lengthy, with a five-day endurance, and is designed to patrol Nigeria’s littoral waters and the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone.

They’re constructed to boost rapid-response enforcement, together with scorching pursuit operations when crucial.

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Additionally slated for commissioning are three AgustaWestland 109 Trekker helicopters, growing the Navy’s air fleet to 14 plane.

These helicopters will present aerial assist for maritime patrols and bolster surveillance and interdiction efforts throughout the nation’s huge maritime atmosphere.

The brand new property shall be formally inducted throughout Navy Week 2025, a weeklong celebration operating from Could 23 to June 1, that includes neighborhood outreaches, public ship excursions, naval sports activities occasions, and a grand commissioning ceremony at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos on Could 31.

Talking at a global press convention held Monday in Abuja, Ibrahim Dewu, Chief of Coverage and Plans at Naval Headquarters, described the struggle towards crude oil theft because the cornerstone of the Navy’s latest achievements.

He highlighted the success of Operation Delta Sanity, the anti-oil theft operation launched in January 2024 and reactivated in December as Delta Sanity II.

“In 2024 alone, we arrested 215 suspects and seized 26 vessels concerned in unlawful oil bunkering.

“We additionally deactivated 468 unlawful refinery websites and recovered over 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined diesel”, Dewu stated.

The Navy additionally dismantled 1,107 dugout pits, 279 storage tanks, and 361 wood boats utilized in unlawful refining actions.

“For the reason that starting of 2025, an extra 103 unlawful refinery websites have been destroyed, with 34 extra suspects arrested and over 773,000 litres of crude oil and 150,000 litres of refined merchandise recovered.

“These operations are aligned with the President’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft and improve nationwide oil output. Our efforts will not be nearly safety—they’re about financial survival,” Dewu said.

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Supporting these efforts are two superior surveillance methods, the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Consciousness Functionality platforms which allow the Navy to take care of 24/7 monitoring of Nigeria’s maritime area.

These instruments have been important in early detection of criminality and speedy deployment of property.

Dewu famous that these capabilities have helped Nigeria preserve its zero-piracy standing on the Worldwide Maritime Bureau’s international rating, a significant milestone for each nationwide safety and worldwide commerce confidence.

The Navy has additionally taken the lead in regional collaboration, internet hosting the eighth Symposium of Gulf of Guinea Navies in Abuja in late 2024 and pushing for the institution of a Mixed Maritime Process Drive.

He additionally famous that in February, Nigeria signed an settlement with the African Union to supply strategic sea carry for AU peace assist and humanitarian operations, reinforcing the Navy’s continental position.

Whereas the Navy celebrates its progress from a modest coastal patrol pressure in 1956 to a key participant in West Africa’s maritime safety panorama, Dewu emphasised that the 2025 Navy Week is targeted on accountability and public engagement.

“Actions embody medical outreach in host communities, interfaith providers, a crusing competitors, and ship visits throughout main naval instructions in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. The celebration ends on June 1 with a ceremonial sundown parade and dinner at Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island”, Dewu said.

Dewu known as on Nigerians and the media to assist and publicize the Navy’s efforts.

“Our operations defend the nation’s financial lifelines. We stay dedicated to securing our waters and making certain Nigeria reaps the total advantages of its maritime assets,” he famous.