The Nigerian Navy has unveiled a line-up of activities for its 69th Anniversary Celebration scheduled to hold from Friday, 23 May to Sunday, 1 June 2025 in Lagos. Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, made this known during an international press conference held on Monday, 19 May 2025.
Rear Admiral Dewu stated that the Navy Week, as the celebration is popularly known, commemorates the establishment of the Nigerian Navy on 1 June 1956. According to him, the Navy has grown from a modest coastal force into a formidable maritime institution with influence in the Gulf of Guinea and sub-Saharan Africa.
He noted that the Navy Week is also an opportunity to present the scorecard of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
He explained that the Navy, under Ogalla, has achieved a high level of operational readiness in fulfilling its constitutional roles, especially in the fight against crude oil theft. The operation, initially launched in January 2024 as Operation Delta Sanity, was relaunched in December 2024 as Operation Delta Sanity II. The operations led to the arrest of 215 suspects, seizure of 26 vessels, and destruction of 468 illegal refinery sites in 2024 alone.
In 2025, more than 103 illegal sites have already been destroyed, with the arrest of 34 suspects and the seizure of 39 wooden boats and one ship. So far, about 773,000 litres of crude oil and 150,000 litres of refined products have been recovered this year. Dewu stated that these achievements align with the President’s directive to eradicate oil theft and boost national oil production.
The Nigerian Navy also maintains constant situational awareness through its Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Systems, which have contributed to Nigeria’s zero-piracy rating in the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy assessment.
The Nigerian Navy has taken a leadership role in regional security, hosting the 8th Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of Gulf of Guinea nations in November 2024. The symposium discussed the operationalization of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the region.
In February 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, signed an agreement with the African Union for strategic sealift support by the Nigerian Navy. Dewu affirmed the Navy’s readiness to support AU peace operations and humanitarian missions.
He also announced the establishment of a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State, on the North Bank of the River Benue, aimed at bolstering security in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
In terms of fleet renewal, the Navy will commission three new patrol vessels—NNS Shere, NNS Faro, and NNS Ikogosi—acquired from Singapore and South Korea. Additionally, three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters will be added to the Navy’s fleet, bringing the total number of helicopters to 14.
Dewu also highlighted the Navy’s participation in international exercises, including the recently concluded Exercise Obangame Express 2025, conducted from 10 to 16 May with partner nations such as the USA, Brazil, Italy, and Spain.
He outlined the Navy Week events, starting with Juma’at prayers on Friday, 23 May in Abuja, and an interdenominational church service on Sunday, 25 May in Lagos. Other activities include Medical Rhapsodies and outreach by the Naval Officers’ Wives Association on Monday, 26 May, a sailing competition and boat race on Wednesday, 28 May, and the unveiling of a remodeled auditorium at the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria.
On Thursday, 29 May, naval ships will be open to public visitors in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. On Friday, 30 May, the public will have an opportunity to go onboard ships for sea cruises, and there will also be a golf tournament at the Dolphin Golf Club in Navy Town, Lagos.
The commissioning of ships, helicopters, and accommodation for junior officers will take place on Saturday, 31 May at NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, while the celebration will end on Sunday, 1 June with a ceremonial sunset and dinner at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Rear Admiral Dewu appreciated the media for its continued support and called on journalists to give adequate publicity to the Navy Week activities.
He then opened the floor for questions from members of the press.