Navy declares Nigeria's coastal areas relatively safe from oil theft, sea robbery

Navy Chief Vice Admiral Idi Abbas declared on Friday that Nigeria's coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, thanks to sustained naval operations against crude oil theft and maritime crime. According to Abbas, the Nigerian Navy has made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.

The Naval Chief acknowledged that crude oil theft and isolated sea robbery remain concerns, but emphasized the Navy's success in containing these activities through intensified surveillance. Beyond maritime security, naval personnel have been deployed across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions to support broader national security efforts.

In response to evolving security threats, the Navy established a specialized marine force trained for asymmetric warfare on both land and water. The first batch has been inducted and performing effectively. However, Abbas highlighted challenges with prosecuting maritime offenders, noting prolonged court processes create burdens for naval resources. Despite these challenges, the Navy remains committed to securing Nigeria's maritime environment and supporting national security objectives.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/05/nigerias-coastal-areas-relatively-safe-says-cns-abbas/