Senate Committee On Navy Harps On Drones, CCTV Usage To Tackle Maritime Crimes

The Chairman , Senate Committee on the Navy, Senator Olugbenga Daniel, has harped on the need for the Nigerian Navy to deploy more technologies to combat maritime related crimes in a bid to protect the nation’s territorial waters.

Daniel who led Committee members on a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command on Monday, 20 October 2025 , stressed that expanding the use of drones, helicopters, and CCTV systems is essential to strengthening surveillance and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime domain

According to him, the visit was part of the Committee’s ongoing oversight and direct assessment of naval bases, ships, and related establishments in the Calabar region.

During a visit to the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters on 20 October 2025, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Navy, emphasized the critical role of drones and advanced technology in combating maritime crime and enhancing Nigeria’s naval operations.

Leading the Committee’s oversight mission in Calabar, Senator Daniel acknowledged the Command’s impressive achievements in rescuing kidnapped passengers and conducting successful anti-crime operations. .

The Chairman pointed out current challenges such as limited accommodation, collapsed jetties, and fuel shortages that impact naval readiness. He urged the Command to prioritize technological upgrades, including wider deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles and improved monitoring tools to better track and respond to security threats at sea.

Senator Daniel praised the Command’s critical role in protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain, highlighting key successes such as the rescue of kidnapped individuals and effective anti-crime missions. He acknowledged the collective appreciation of Nigerians for these efforts.

Senator Kelvin Chukwu reinforced the call for enhanced inter-agency cooperation supported by innovative technologies to sustain maritime security gains.

Rear Admiral KC Ezete, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, confirmed that CCTV systems have been installed on naval vessels and that drones and helicopters remain top priorities for operational enhancement.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to adopt modern technology as a key strategy against maritime crime.

The delegation was warmly received by Rear Admiral KC Ezete, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, alongside the Fleet Commander and Principal Staff Officers. A concise presentation on the Command’s activities was delivered in the Command’s Conference Room.

The visit closed with mutual expressions of support and a shared commitment to leveraging technology for safer Nigerian waters.