We’ll use AI to crush oil theft, sea crime, says New Naval Chief Abbas 

The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, has pledged to modernize Nigeria’s naval operations with advanced technology,  including drones and artificial intelligence to tackle maritime crime and oil theft across the nation’s waterways.

Speaking during his Senate screening on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Abbas said the Navy would prioritize technological innovation over traditional fuel-heavy patrols, describing the move as a smarter, faster, and more cost-efficient approach to maritime security.

“We will incorporate more technology, including the use of drones, to tackle maritime crime. A lot of resources are currently wasted fueling boats to reach remote areas. Technology will help us respond faster and more effectively,” Abbas stated.

The naval chief-designate dismissed the idea of establishing a separate coast guard, saying it would be unnecessary and counterproductive.

“We don’t need a separate coast guard because the Nigerian Navy already performs those functions. Creating another agency would only duplicate efforts. It’s better to channel those funds toward boosting naval operations,” he said.

Responding to questions on the rising incidents of oil theft, Abbas admitted that the problem persists mostly in hard-to-reach creeks and coastal areas. He said the Navy was already exploring drone surveillance and digital monitoring to detect and block illegal siphoning points.

“The theft may appear minimal individually, but when accumulated, it becomes substantial. We’re exploring drone technology to monitor and plug these leakages,” he noted.

Rear Admiral Abbas also backed the Army’s deradicalisation initiative for repentant criminals but emphasized the need to balance security priorities with empathy for victims’ families.

Concluding his remarks, he called for stronger synergy among the armed forces and intelligence agencies to deliver coordinated and efficient national security.

Abbas is one of the new service chiefs recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu, alongside Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, and Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.