Navy recovers 7.48m litres of crude, deactivates168 unlawful refineries, arrests 259 suspects in a single yr

…CNS rewards rewarded 11 Naval Warrant Officers with automobiles

The Nigerian Navy has sustained Nigeria’s zero-piracy standing and recovered over 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum merchandise within the first yr of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of the Naval Staff, strengthening its contribution to maritime safety, safety of nationwide belongings and nationwide growth.

According to an announcement made obtainable to journalists, the Nigerian Navy additionally deactivated 168 unlawful refining websites, destroyed 363 dugout pits, arrested 259 suspects and 4 vessels suspected of involvement in crude oil theft, and secured 9 convictions for offences referring to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

“A major operational initiative was the activation of Operation DELTA SENTINEL in January 2026 to strengthen efforts against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes,” it stated.

According to the assertion, the Navy additionally commissioned three high-speed patrol vessels NNS OLOIBIRI, NNS MAMBILA and NNS GURARA, in June 2026 to reinforce maritime surveillance, operational attain and response capabilities.

“The Service advanced infrastructure and personnel welfare through the construction and commissioning of over 36 projects, including accommodation, medical, office and multipurpose facilities.
“It also commenced development of a 200-bed Reference Hospital at Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja,” it stated.

The assertion additional acknowledged that by way of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (CNS-SIQIP) and different neighborhood initiatives, the Navy accomplished over 93 neighborhood growth initiatives.

“These included 18 solar-powered boreholes, renovation of 11 school buildings, construction and equipping of 11 healthcare centres, and electricity infrastructure in three communities,” it stated.

In human capability growth, the Nigerian Navy graduated and inducted its inaugural batch of 328 Nigerian Navy Marines.

“The personnel were deployed to reinforce ongoing operations, particularly against asymmetric threats in northern Nigeria, while training of a second batch continued,” it stated

The Navy stated it additionally strengthened regional maritime cooperation by way of workouts together with OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, COASTAL GRIP 2, GRAND AFRICAN NEMO 2026 and CROCODILE LIFT.

It stated a key milestone was the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea throughout the Service’s seventieth Anniversary celebrations in June 2026.

“These achievements reflect the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical national assets, developing its personnel and contributing to national security and economic prosperity,” it stated.

CNS
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has rewarded 11 Naval Warrant Officers of the Nigerian Navy with Toyota Hilux automobiles in recognition of their exemplary efficiency, professionalism, dedication and contributions to the expansion of the Service.

The presentation came about throughout the closing ceremony of the 2026 Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Retreat in Abuja, the place Abbas reiterated the Navy’s dedication to recognising onerous work, selling excellence and motivating personnel to ship increased requirements of service.

The beneficiaries, drawn from totally different skilled branches of the Nigerian Navy, had been recognised for his or her meritorious service and dedication to their tasks.

The beneficiaries, drawn from totally different skilled branches of the Nigerian Navy, had been recognised for his or her meritorious service and dedication to their tasks.

Blueprint experiences that the beneficiaries embody NWO RP1 IS Sa’adu, NWO SR S Garba, NWO RP1 OF Oguntuloye, NWO RP1 Ok Ebhaleme, NWO UC1 JA Idakpo, NWO SR AD Ekezife, NWO QA1 M Khadi, NWO MEA SS Anja, NWO WEA MK Gidado and NWO SA MK Aminu.

The gesture underscores the Nigerian Navy’s emphasis on personnel welfare, institutional recognition and the promotion of a reward system that encourages professionalism, self-discipline and dedication amongst its workforce.