The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant milestone in its efforts to secure the country’s waterways, with Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla announcing that Nigeria has gone five years without a single case of piracy. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the Navy’s operations and strategies in place to protect the nation’s maritime domain.
Ogalla attributed the success to various operations, including Operation Delta Sanity, a series of patrols, and surveillance systems. The Nigerian Navy has also deployed NNS ships at sea to maintain safety and security. These efforts have paid off, with Nigeria’s waterways now considered very safe. The Naval Chief made this disclosure during the passing out parade of the 2025 set of Young Sailors at the Nigerian Navy School in Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, represented by Commissioner of Education Prof. Ubong Umoh, congratulated the young sailors on their achievement. He urged them to remain focused and determined in their educational pursuits and to shun vices that could have negative consequences on their future endeavors. The Governor expressed confidence that the sailors had been well-groomed and had the requisite potential to succeed in the larger society.
Ogalla advised the graduating students to pursue their dreams and remain resilient, noting that the training they received would provide them with a solid foundation for a bright and fulfilling military career. Many of the graduates will be absorbed into the military, with some proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy, while others will remain as personnel in the Nigerian Navy.
This achievement is consistent with previous reports of Nigeria’s improved maritime security. In 2022, the country was delisted from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone countries, a feat described by former Naval Chief Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo as a significant triumph. The Nigerian Navy’s efforts have contributed to a safer maritime environment, enabling legitimate operators to conduct their businesses without fear of piracy.
