By: IDNN Defence & Maritime Security Desk
The Nigerian Navy is marking its 69th anniversary with an explosive performance report — packed with high-stakes anti-crude oil theft operations, increased maritime surveillance, international security partnerships, and major additions to its air and sea fleets.
Speaking at an international press conference held at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans, outlined the Navy’s operational achievements and the full schedule of events leading up to Navy Day on June 1, 2025.
Operation Delta Sanity: Crushing Oil Theft at Record Pace
In what Rear Admiral Dewu described as “the highest state of operational readiness,” the Navy’s 2024–2025 war on crude oil theft — codenamed Operation Delta Sanity and Delta Sanity II — has yielded staggering results:
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468 illegal refinery sites destroyed in 2024
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215 suspects and 26 vessels arrested
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6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil seized
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361 wooden boats and 1,107 dugout pits neutralized
In 2025 alone (as of May), an additional 103 sites have been dismantled, with 773,000 litres of crude oil recovered. These victories have directly boosted Nigeria’s crude output, aligning with President Tinubu’s oil production mandate.
Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria Leading Regional Maritime Security
The Navy continues to maintain 24/7 situational awareness via Falcon Eye and the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Systems, contributing to Nigeria’s zero-piracy rating by the International Maritime Bureau.
The Navy also led the 2024 Symposium of Gulf of Guinea Naval Heads and is actively pushing the Combined Maritime Task Force initiative — a joint regional sea security mechanism. In February 2025, Nigeria signed an MoU with the African Union, committing naval support for continental peace missions, disaster relief, and humanitarian operations.
To further secure Nigeria’s inland waterways and the Middle Belt, the Navy announced plans to establish a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State.
Fleet Firepower: 3 Patrol Ships and 3 Helicopters Commissioning
In a major boost to naval capabilities, the Navy will commission six new platforms during Navy Week:
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Three 38-meter patrol ships: NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI (two from Singapore, one from South Korea)
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Three new Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, increasing the fleet to 14
These platforms will enhance littoral defence and provide rapid response reach beyond Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including hot pursuit operations.
The Navy also celebrated the success of Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2025 — a multinational security drill featuring the USA, Brazil, Italy, and Spain — affirming Nigeria’s central role in securing the Atlantic corridor.
Navy Week Calendar Highlights (23 May – 1 June 2025)
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23 May: Special Juma’at Prayers (Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja)
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25 May: Interdenominational Service (Our Lady Star of the Sea, Lagos)
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26 May: Medical Rhapsodies & NAOWA Community Events
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28 May: Sailing Competition + Commissioning of International Maritime Institute Auditorium
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29 May: Navy Ships open for public visitation across Commands
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30 May: Sea Cruise Experience for visitors + Navy Golf Kitty
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31 May: Commissioning of ships, helicopters, and officer quarters (NNS Beecroft, Apapa)
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1 June: Ceremonial Sunset & Grand Dinner (Naval Dockyard, VI, Lagos)
Rear Admiral Dewu called on the public and media to attend and amplify the Navy’s message of strength, strategy, and sovereignty.
