MARITIME SECURITY: Tinubu Commissions Three Vessels At Nigerian Navy 70th Anniversary
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commissioned three new Nigerian Navy vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara — during the 2026 International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, part of events commemorating the Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The commissioning underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s maritime security architecture.
Speaking as reviewing officer, President Tinubu described the arrival of the three ships as a significant boost to the Navy’s operational capability and a tangible demonstration of government support for modern platforms and enhanced maritime response.
“The induction of these vessels will strengthen our capacity to secure Nigeria’s territorial waters, protect economic assets, and sustain gains against maritime criminality,” the President said, while commending the Navy’s record over seven decades in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling and other transnational crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.
President Tinubu highlighted the Navy’s role beyond the littoral, praising its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations and singling out the Special Boat Service for its professionalism. He also welcomed the operational deployment of the Nigerian Navy Marines as an added capability for future missions.
The President thanked international partners and visiting foreign navies for attending the Fleet Review, calling their presence a sign of growing regional and global cooperation for maritime security and shared prosperity. He reiterated his administration’s pledge to invest in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, and training to sustain operational readiness.
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff, said the Navy’s recent achievements stem from strategic investments, policy support and enhanced interagency cooperation. He noted that the new acquisitions, improved surveillance capability and strengthened partnerships have enabled intensified operations against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery and illegal fishing within the Gulf of Guinea.
Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the President, and paid tribute to the sacrifices of past and present naval personnel that have shaped the Service into a capable maritime force.
The Fleet Review attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including representatives of the National Assembly, state governors, security chiefs and regional naval leaders. Present were Senator Gbenga Daniel (representing the Senate President); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; service chiefs and chiefs of naval staff from neighbouring Gulf of Guinea countries, as well as delegations from European partners.
President Tinubu congratulated Vice Admiral Abbas, officers, ratings, veterans and families on the Navy’s 70th anniversary and urged continued dedication to duty, patriotism and the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain.