President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism and contributions to maritime security, while also commending Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas for inaugurating the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.
Tinubu spoke during the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations and the 2026 International Fleet Review held at Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos. The President described the Navy as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity.
He commended the Navy for its role in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes, noting that these efforts have improved security in coastal communities and supported increased oil production.
Tinubu also inaugurated three naval vessels—NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara—as part of efforts to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities and maritime security architecture.
The President described the launch of the Combined Maritime Task Force as a major step toward enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea. The multinational initiative is designed to improve regional cooperation against piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling, and other transnational maritime threats.
According to Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy has evolved from a modest maritime service established in 1956 into what he called the most formidable naval force in Africa, reflecting decades of operational excellence and strategic growth.
Vice Admiral Abbas, in his remarks, attributed recent successes in maritime security to sustained investments in naval platforms, surveillance technology, and collaboration among security agencies. He pledged that the Navy would remain vigilant in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The Combined Maritime Task Force includes Nigeria and several West African countries and is expected to strengthen collective efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
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