President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared the Nigerian Navy the most formidable naval force in Africa as the service marked its 70th anniversary with an International Fleet Review at Eko Atlantic City Waterfront, Lagos. Speaking at the event themed “Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,” Tinubu commissioned three new warships and flagged off the Combined Maritime Task Force led by Commodore Mohammed Shettima. He said the Navy’s sustained operational pressure has delivered landmark victories against piracy and crude oil theft, crediting gains to integrated surveillance systems, rapid response, and robust enforcement.
The President noted that the Navy has evolved from its 1956 colonial marine origins into a modern, sophisticated naval power and anchor of Nigeria’s economic prosperity. Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas said the newly flagged-off CMTF will tackle emerging threats and support humanitarian operations across West Africa. He disclosed that 328 Navy Marines have been trained and inducted as an elite unit, and that the service is deploying unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence to boost maritime domain awareness. Abbas added that collaborative efforts are driving the Gulf of Guinea toward zero piracy status.
The review featured aerial combat displays, a fleet sail pass, and assets from Nigeria and foreign partners. Dignitaries present included Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Service Chiefs, IGP Olatunji Disu, Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, foreign heads of navies, ambassadors, and captains of industry.
