Nigeria has recorded zero reported piracy incidents in its territorial waters for four consecutive years, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said.

Abbas disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar while speaking at the graduation ceremony of participants of Naval Warfare Course 10 at the Naval War College Nigeria.

He said the achievement reflected improved maritime security in the country but stressed the need for the Nigerian Navy to sustain its operational tempo against emerging threats within the nation’s maritime domain.

The Naval Chief said incidents of piracy across the wider Gulf of Guinea had also declined significantly, attributing the progress to persistent maritime domain awareness, credible presence at sea, regional cooperation and timely response.

He said maritime security remained closely linked to Nigeria’s economic security because of the importance of the country’s offshore resources, ports, shipping routes and energy infrastructure.

According to him, the Navy is intensifying operations against crude oil theft, illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage capable of undermining national revenue.

Abbas said Nigeria’s crude oil production reached about 1.56 million barrels per day in June 2026, stressing that sustained security of the maritime environment remained critical to protecting the country’s economic interests.

He urged the graduating officers to build on the gains recorded in maritime security by adopting emerging technologies and innovative operational strategies.

The Naval Chief said the changing security environment required commanders capable of integrating technology, intelligence and operational capabilities across maritime, land, cyber and other domains.

He also noted that the Navy’s responsibilities extended beyond the maritime environment, with its personnel and specialised capabilities supporting joint operations against terrorism, insurgency and other national security threats.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Naval War College Nigeria, Rear Admiral Muhammed Muye, said the course was designed to prepare senior officers for higher responsibilities in command, staff and strategic leadership.

Thirty-four participants, including officers from Cameroon, Ghana and Liberia, completed the Naval Warfare Course 10.