Nigeria’s Coastal Areas Relatively Safe, Says CNS Abbas 05.06.2026

Nigeria’s coastal and riverine areas are considered relatively safe, according to Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who cited sustained naval operations against crude oil theft and maritime crime as key factors in this improvement. Speaking on Channels Television, Abbas acknowledged that crude oil theft and isolated sea robbery incidents persist as concerns, but emphasized the Navy's success in curtailing these activities through enhanced surveillance and enforcement. The Nigerian Navy has broadened its operations beyond traditional maritime duties, deploying personnel to support security efforts in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions alongside other security agencies. The establishment of the Nigerian Navy Marines, a specialized force trained for land and water operations, was highlighted as a response to evolving asymmetric warfare threats, with the first batch already inducted and performing effectively. Abbas also pointed out challenges in prosecuting maritime offenders due to prolonged court processes affecting seized vessels.



















