On June 23, 2023, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla took command as the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), succeeding his predecessor after being appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on June 19, 2023. This leadership transition comes at a time of significant achievement for the Nigerian Navy.
In the two years prior, the NN has demonstrably strengthened maritime security through proactive operational responses. Key areas of focus included vigorous anti-piracy and anti-sea robbery operations, a determined crackdown on oil theft, and stringent measures against smuggling activities. These efforts were complemented by participation in joint operations with other security agencies, a commitment to Fleet Recapitalization for enhanced capabilities, the strategic establishment of new naval bases to expand operational coverage, and crucial hydrographic operations to ensure safe navigation. Furthermore, the NN actively engaged in regional and international cooperation to foster collaborative maritime security solutions.
The results speak for themselves: The NN has maintained a robust and credible presence at sea, leading to a marked reduction in sea robbery incidents. Most notably, Nigeria has remained piracy-free since March 3, 2022, a monumental achievement that led to the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone nations. With a new Chief at the helm, the Nigerian Navy is poised to build on these successes and continue safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting its economic interests, and contributing to regional stability.
