The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU CPAPS), Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its outstanding contributions to maritime security and regional stability.
Ambassador Adeoye gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on 5 February 2026.
He congratulated Vice Admiral Abbas on the Navy’s remarkable achievements in curbing piracy and maritime crimes, noting that Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy List in 2022 was a testament to the Navy’s sustained operational effectiveness. The AU Commissioner also praised the Navy’s collaboration with other regional navies in tackling transnational crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.
Ambassador Adeoye emphasized that the Nigerian Navy’s efforts are critical to Africa’s economic growth, especially as the continent implements the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to integrate 55 economies into the world’s largest free trade zone.
During the meeting, the AU Commissioner proposed the organisation of a pan-African naval exercise in 2027 to strengthen cooperation among African navies. He urged the Nigerian Navy to continue its leadership role, referencing a recent Global Firepower report that ranked Nigeria as having the strongest naval fleet in Africa.
He further sought the support of the Chief of the Naval Staff for the AU’s plan to host the continent-wide exercise, which would involve partner navies from across the globe. In addition, he encouraged the organisation of a regional naval exercise involving ECOWAS Maritime Zone E and other willing participants, to serve as a foundation for future continental maritime engagements.
Ambassador Adeoye stressed the need for sustained collaboration to combat transnational maritime crimes and described Nigeria’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea as a model for enduring maritime security operations in Africa.
In his response, Vice Admiral Abbas welcomed the AU Commissioner and commended the African Union’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability across the continent. He assured that the Nigerian Navy would review the proposal for a regional exercise under the Combined Maritime Task Force framework.
The Chief of the Naval Staff reaffirmed the Navy’s resolve to maintain a secure maritime environment, free from criminal and illicit activities, in support of national and regional development.
