The Nigerian Navy has unveiled a lineup of activities to mark its 69th Anniversary, while also highlighting major operational milestones and fleet expansions recorded under the current leadership. The announcement was made during an international press conference held on Monday, 19 May 2025, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja.
Addressing the media on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, outlined the events scheduled to take place from Friday, 23 May to Sunday, 1 June 2025, in Lagos and other naval commands across the country.
Rear Admiral Dewu described the annual Navy Week as a significant occasion to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Navy on 1 June 1956, and an opportunity to present its performance scorecard. He emphasized that the Nigerian Navy, under the stewardship of Vice Admiral Ogalla, has reached an unprecedented level of operational readiness, particularly in its fight against crude oil theft.
“Through Operation Delta Sanity, re-launched in December 2024 as Operation Delta Sanity II, the Navy has made remarkable progress. In 2024, we arrested 215 suspects and 26 vessels, deactivated 468 illegal refinery sites, and recovered over 13 million litres of stolen crude and refined products. This year alone, we’ve already destroyed 103 illegal sites and recovered over 900,000 litres of petroleum products,” he stated.
Rear Admiral Dewu also highlighted the Navy’s enhanced maritime domain awareness, enabled by the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity systems, which have contributed to Nigeria’s sustained zero-piracy rating. He added that the Navy is playing a regional leadership role, citing the 8th Symposium of Gulf of Guinea Navies and a strategic sea-lift agreement signed with the African Union for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
As part of its expansion and modernization drive, the Nigerian Navy will commission three newly acquired patrol vessels NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI alongside three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters during the anniversary celebrations. These additions are expected to boost maritime security and air operations across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Key events scheduled for the Navy Week include special prayers, medical outreach programmes, a sailing competition, ship tours, and the commissioning of newly completed infrastructure and platforms. A ceremonial sunset and grand dinner will conclude the celebrations on Sunday, 1 June 2025, at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Rear Admiral Dewu thanked members of the press for their consistent support and called for extensive media coverage of the anniversary activities to deepen public understanding of the Navy’s contributions to national and regional security.
“On behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff and the entire naval family, I appreciate your unwavering partnership. We look forward to your active participation and robust reportage as we celebrate the Nigerian Navy at 69,” he concluded.
