The Nigerian Navy is deepening its strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates to strengthen maritime security and safeguard vital trade routes across the Gulf of Guinea. Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas reaffirmed the commitment during talks with UAE Ambassador to Nigeria Saylem Saeed Alshamsi, focusing on closer cooperation in maritime surveillance, shipbuilding, naval technology transfer and joint operations against piracy, crude oil theft and sea robbery.
Alshamsi praised the Navy’s recent operational gains, particularly Operation DELTA SENTINEL, which led to the seizure of large quantities of stolen crude oil and petroleum products. “The sustained operational successes of the Nigerian Navy in securing regional waters and protecting critical maritime infrastructure are commendable,” the ambassador said.
Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted the construction of NNS KADA in Sharjah as a symbol of the growing defence ties between both countries, adding that deeper collaboration would strengthen indigenous shipbuilding, improve fleet readiness and bolster security across the Gulf of Guinea.