Abbas vows tech-driven overhaul of Nigerian Navy
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the nominee for Chief of Naval Staff, has vowed to reposition the Nigerian Navy as a modern, technology-driven force capable of safeguarding the nation’s maritime and inland waterways against oil theft, piracy, and other emerging threats.
Appearing before the Senate for his screening on Wednesday, Abbas outlined an ambitious roadmap anchored on drone technology, intelligence-led operations, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to enhance maritime security and protect Nigeria’s economic assets.
“To strengthen our operations, I will prioritise the deployment of modern technology, particularly unmanned aerial systems (drones), which will significantly boost surveillance and interdiction across both inland and territorial waters,” he told lawmakers.
Responding to questions about the proposed establishment of a Coast Guard or Marine Guard agency, Abbas rejected the idea, arguing that the Navy already performs such duties.
“There is no need for a separate coast guard. The Navy’s constitutional mandate covers those functions. Rather than duplicating roles, available resources should be channelled toward enhancing our platforms and logistics,” he stated, adding that allocating even half of the proposed funding for the new agency to the Navy would yield far greater impact.
On the issue of oil theft and illegal bunkering, Abbas explained that while most illicit activities occur in difficult-to-access creeks, their cumulative toll on the economy is severe.
“We have curtailed the activities of large tankers supplied by smaller vessels carrying stolen crude. With drones and advanced digital surveillance, we will detect, track, and disrupt such operations more effectively,” he assured.
He stressed that technology would be central to the Navy’s renewed campaign against maritime crime and revealed that its enforcement strategy now extends to inland waterways.
In response to Senator Ahmed Wadada’s concern over rising criminal activity along inland waterways, Abbas disclosed that the Navy had established a Special Operations Command in Makurdi, Benue State, specifically to address threats along the Benue–Lokoja corridor and other inland routes.
On reintegrating repentant insurgents, Abbas agreed with Senator Adams Oshiomhole that the process must be handled with sensitivity.
“De-radicalisation is crucial, but there is also a moral dimension. Families who lost loved ones deserve consultation and counselling before amnesty is offered. That fosters healing and acceptance within communities,” he explained.
Outlining his broader vision, Abbas said the Navy operates within a “Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy” — a comprehensive framework addressing piracy, oil theft, coastal banditry, and kidnapping.
“The Navy cannot operate in isolation. Our success depends on cooperation with other security services, government agencies, and local communities. It is a whole-of-society approach,” he affirmed.
Commending the nominee’s presentation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Abbas for his clarity and professionalism. The Senate thereafter resolved that he had “performed creditably” and directed him to “take a bow,” pending final confirmation in a closed session.
