From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has declared that the Nigerian Navy has successfully turned the tide against pirates and other maritime criminals, leading to improved security in Nigeria’s waters and a boost in the nation’s oil production.
Ogalla made the declaration on Friday when he returned to his alma mater, the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, for a Regimental Parade held in his honour, where he commissioned new projects and addressed the students.
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The Naval Chief said the Navy had recorded “undeniable results” in its operations since he assumed command, stressing that Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) had not witnessed a single incident of piracy since 2022.
“Our determination from the onset was clear – to turn the tide against those criminal elements bringing insecurity into our maritime environment. And I am proud to say we have achieved that. The results are evident, especially in improved oil production and the elimination of piracy in our waters,” he said.
According to him, piracy, crude oil theft, and illegal refining had long undermined Nigeria’s economic lifeline, threatening oil revenues and deterring investment in the maritime domain. But with enhanced operations, the Navy has reversed the trend.
He explained that the Navy launched Operation Delta Sanity, alongside joint operations with sister services and maritime stakeholders, to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard critical oil infrastructure.
“These operations have restored confidence in our maritime environment. Oil production has improved, revenues have gone up, and investors can now see Nigeria as a safer maritime hub. That is the strategic importance of the work we are doing,” Ogalla emphasised.
He added that the fight against maritime insecurity was not only a military task but also a national duty, as the protection of Nigeria’s oil assets directly impacts economic growth and national development.
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