The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas said on Thursday Nigerian Navy that was established 70 years ago as a modest coastal defence force has evolved into one of Africa’s most formidable maritime forces and has began to build its own ships.
It is engaged in strategic national defence roles, providing inevitable services in regional peacekeeping missions , anti-piracy operations and playing critical roles in the Nigeria’s maritime defence security, Abbas said .
The Chief of the Naval Staff, stated this in Abuja through the Chief of Policy and Plans Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Akinola Olatunde Olodude during an International press conference marking the 70th Anniversary of Celebration of Nigerian Navy.
He said that over the years Nigerian Navy has transformed from a small post – Colonial naval unit of 250 officers and men in June 1, 1956 to regional
Naval Force of influence with modern fleet capabilities and expanding indigenous shipbuilding capacity that has add 5 ships to its fleet.
He said Nigerian Navy is contributing significantly to peace support operations across Africa and securing Nigeria’s vast maritime domain.
On the activities marking its 70th Anniversary, the Nigerian Navy unveiled an elaborate programme of events designed to celebrate its historic achievements and project its future vision as a technologically advanced maritime force.
The anniversary activities which commences immediately and run through June 4, 2026, taking place simultaneously across all naval formations nationwide.
Rear Admiral Olodude who fielded questions from journalists described the platinum jubilee as a moment of deep reflection on the Navy’s historic journey, operational milestones and strategic contributions to national unity, regional stability and maritime security across Africa.
He said Nigerian Navy would also use the celebration to reflect on the way forward considering that current security threats demand national forces to build its own defence equipments rather than depending on purchases that are often delayed or denied.
The Service recalled its critical role during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970, where it executed strategic blockades, disrupted hostile supply lines, secured vital sea corridors and conducted amphibious operations that contributed significantly to preserving Nigeria’s unity.
Beside national operations, the Navy highlighted its contributions to international peace support missions, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon during the 1970s where Nigerian naval assets transported medical supplies and logistical support for Nigerian peacekeeping troops deployed in Southern Lebanon.
Nigerian Navy also recounted its major operational role during the ECOMOG intervention in Liberia between 1990 and 1999, where it served as the logistical and combat backbone of the sub-regional mission through maritime embargo enforcement, naval gunfire support, humanitarian evacuations and strategic sealift operations.
Similarly, during peace support operations in Sierra Leone from 1997 to 2000, the Navy enforced United Nations and ECOWAS maritime sanctions, maintained combat patrols, secured Freetown harbour and ensured uninterrupted humanitarian supply operations.
The Service further cited its participation in the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia in 2017, where the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and offshore patrol vessels contributed to the peaceful restoration of constitutional governance.
In 2022, the Nigerian Navy again projected Nigeria’s strategic sealift capability during the ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission in Guinea-Bissau by transporting troops, tactical vehicles and military hardware following an attempted coup in the country.