The Nigerian Navy is celebrating Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s second anniversary, acknowledging his commitment to developing a “professionally competent and ethical naval force” capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests from all threats. Ogalla assumed office on June 23, 2023.
Since launching Operation Delta Sanity in January 2024, the Navy has arrested 76 vessels and 242 individuals suspected of involvement in crude oil theft. Additionally, it has identified and closed down 808 illegal refining sites, over 2,400 dugout pits, and more than 5,400 storage facilities used by oil thieves.
The Navy has also confiscated 101 speedboats, 58 firearms, 276 rounds of ammunition, and other illegal equipment used by criminals. These actions have helped safeguard major oil pipelines and have led to an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output, with some pipelines reporting up to a 100 per cent improvement in flow since late 2024.
Ogalla’s efforts have not only disrupted oil theft operations but have also enhanced maritime security throughout the country. Nigeria has remained absent from the global piracy list, with no reported piracy incidents in its waters for over two years.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, protection rates along critical pipelines such as Trans-Niger, Trans Escravos, and Trans Forcados surged to between 98 and 100 per cent by late 2024, directly contributing to the national crude oil output increase. Crucially, the Nigerian Navy has maintained its piracy-free status.
“This is a testament to Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list in March 2022. No piracy incidents have been reported in Nigerian waters, and robust patrols have significantly reduced sea robbery,” he said.
Ogalla’s first year saw an effort to modernise naval infrastructure and enhance capabilities, including the establishment of NNS Madueke, the NN Special Operations Command, NN Marines, and the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria.
Construction projects included an Administrative Block at Naval Base Lake Chad (Baga), a Jetty at Bonny (in progress), a Maritime Operations Centre at FOB Takwa Bay (Lagos), a Special Boat Service Camp (Lagos), and the commissioning of the Naval Training Command HQ (Ebubu-Eleme).
“Other significant accomplishments included the construction and renovation of accommodations at various bases, such as Navy Town (Asokoro, Abuja), Ebubu-Eleme (Port Harcourt), Navy Town (Ojo, Lagos), Yenagoa, Sapele, Enugu State, and Baga. There was also a major expansion of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Ojo, Lagos, the acquisition of NNS Shere, NNS Faro, NNS Ikogosi, and three AgustaWestland 109 Trekker Helicopters, ongoing construction of Seaward Defence Boats 4 and 5 at Naval Dockyard Lagos, and the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Defence Force and NN Sealift Capability (NNS Kada) for the African Union,” he added.
“These extensive initiatives, combined with a focus on personnel welfare and regional cooperation, have strengthened the Nigerian Navy’s position. It now ranks as the third-largest navy in Africa, behind only Egypt and Algeria, and is at its highest state of operational readiness.
“Vice Admiral Ogalla’s second year has been characterised by decisive action and strategic foresight.”
“The tangible results against oil theft and the substantial infrastructure developments demonstrate a commitment to securing Nigeria’s crucial maritime domain and transforming the Navy into a truly formidable regional force,” he concluded.
