The Security Force Tinubu says is saving Nigeria billions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday credited the Nigerian Navy’s sustained crackdown on piracy, crude oil theft and maritime crime for helping to boost Nigeria’s oil production, increase government revenue and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s economy.

Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, Tinubu said the service had emerged as a critical pillar of national and regional security through its operations in Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The President, who also commissioned three naval vessels-NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara, said the Navy’s successes against maritime criminality had delivered tangible economic benefits to the nation.

He praised the Navy for combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling and other transnational crimes, noting that the service had helped secure one of Nigeria’s most strategic economic assets.

“Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the Navy’s integration of surveillance systems, rapid-response capabilities and robust enforcement operations has transformed security within Nigeria’s waters.

“Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes.

“These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth,” the President stated.

Tinubu also commended the Navy’s expanding role in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly the performance of its Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres across the country.

“Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Navy through investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training and capacity development.

Earlier, Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, attributed recent gains in maritime security to sustained government support, strategic investments and improved collaboration among security agencies.

According to him, the acquisition of modern platforms and enhanced surveillance capabilities has enabled the Navy to intensify operations against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing and other maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

Abbas pledged that the Navy would continue leveraging technology, innovation and strategic partnerships to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and consolidate gains already recorded in combating maritime crime.

The International Fleet Review attracted senior government officials, military chiefs, foreign naval delegations and security stakeholders from across Africa and Europe, underscoring growing international cooperation in maritime security and regional stability.