The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a strong warning to criminals operating along Nigeria’s maritime routes, declaring that the Nigerian Navy is now better prepared to confront and defeat threats at sea.
Matawalle gave the warning on Saturday in Lagos during the commissioning of newly acquired naval ships and helicopters as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary.
He said the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is committed to making Nigerian waters safe for economic activities. He added that the Navy now has more advanced platforms to stop piracy, oil theft, and other illegal activities at sea.
“The naval space will no longer be a haven for criminals. These new assets will greatly improve our ability to monitor, respond, and dominate our maritime environment,” Matawalle said.
The assets commissioned include ships with high-endurance capabilities and three Augusta Westland AW109ST Trekker helicopters equipped for long-range surveillance and quick response. According to Matawalle, these assets are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime domain awareness and help protect vital national assets.
“The President’s approval for these acquisitions shows his administration’s strong resolve to secure our waters and support our economic development, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He also noted that more vessels are on the way. These include two 76-metre High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Turkey, three 46-metre Fast Patrol Boats from China, and Tug Boats, among others.
“These platforms, when inducted, will further increase the Navy’s ability to enforce maritime law, protect oil infrastructure, and stop illegal activities such as smuggling and piracy,” the minister said.
To ensure the proper use of the new equipment, Matawalle said the Navy is also investing in human capacity. “We are providing technical training and welfare support to ensure that our personnel, who are the most important part of the Navy, are ready and motivated,” he added.
Nigeria has one of the most strategic maritime domains in West Africa, with a coastline of about 853 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 200 nautical miles. This zone includes vital oil installations and shipping lanes that are often targeted by pirates and oil thieves.
Over the years, maritime insecurity has affected Nigeria’s economy, particularly the oil and shipping sectors. At its peak, the Gulf of Guinea was one of the most dangerous places in the world for seafarers. However, recent efforts by the Nigerian Navy, supported by regional and international partners, have led to a decline in attacks.
Still, incidents of oil theft, illegal bunkering, and sea robbery persist, especially in the Niger Delta region. This has made the continuous investment in maritime security a top priority for the government.
Saturday’s commissioning is part of the Navy’s ongoing fleet recapitalisation plan, which aims to improve operational efficiency and ensure that Nigeria can effectively patrol its waters, respond to threats, and protect its maritime economy.
Matawalle concluded with a message to those still plotting crimes at sea: “The game has changed. Criminals should steer clear of our waters because the Nigerian Navy is now fully equipped and ready to act.”
