Tinubu hails Navy for eradicating piracy in Nigerian waters

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that the Nigerian Navy had successfully eradicated piracy in the country’s territorial waters. Tinubu gave the commendation when he commissioned three Naval vessels and reviewed a fleet of warships from Nigeria and allied nations at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos. The event formed part of a lineup to mark the Navy’s 70th anniversary. According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the three vessels, NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara, joined the fleet, which has undergone significant expansion in recent years as the Navy intensified operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing and maritime smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea. Serving as Reviewing Officer at the event, Tinubu praised the Navy’s record in the maritime domain and directly linked its successes to improvements in oil production, national revenue and investor confidence. He said, “Through the effective integration of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms and robust enforcement operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes. “These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth.” The Commander-in-Chief also highlighted the Navy’s expanding role beyond the sea. He said, “Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country. “The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Service in executing complex missions are truly commendable. “More so, with the recent induction of the Nigerian Navy Marines into operational theatres, I am confident that even greater successes will be recorded. Indeed, the Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security.” On the significance of the country’s maritime domain to the national economy, the President stated, “Nigeria’s maritime domain, endowed with immense natural wealth, remains a vital pillar of our national economy, serving as a major source of foreign exchange and a critical artery for global trade. Related News Tinubu receives new Béninoise President Wadagni Mobilise support for Tinubu’s second term, Soludo urges women Osun will empower more youth entrepreneurs, says Adeleke “I commend the Nigerian Navy for its steadfast g