CDS Hails Navy For Curbing Pipeline Vandalism, Increase Oil Production, Revenue

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has commended the Nigerian Navy for enhancing maritime security and reducing pipeline vandalism.

He said the feat has contributed to increased oil production and revenue.

Oluyede stated this at the Chief of Naval Staff Annual Retreat 2026, held at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday with the theme “Appraisal of the Nigerian Navy Commands for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness”.

He said, “Through enhanced sea presence and intelligence-driven operations, you have significantly reduced pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. In particular, the Navy’s intensified enforcement has translated into oil production stability and financial recovery for Nigeria, with crude oil production rising from an average of 1.4 million barrels per day in October 2025 to 1.84 million barrels per day in September 2026, marking Nigeria’s highest sustained output since April 2020.

“The surge in Nigeria’s crude oil production has raised the nation’s earnings from $8.11 billion in the first quarter of 2026 to $9.39 billion in the second quarter of the year, marking a sharp 15.78 per cent increase.

“For this vital contribution to the nation’s economy, I strongly commend the Chief of the Naval Staff and the entire Nigerian Navy family.”

The CDS also commended the Navy’s contributions to joint operations with the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force in tackling terrorism and other forms of criminality across the country.
He said through the Navy’s strategic deployments and collaborative joint operations, it has contributed to securing critical waterways, disrupting criminal logistics routes, and neutralising insurgent elements.

The CDS said, “Specifically, the elite Special Boat Service of the Navy demonstrated tactical precision in the rescue of the kidnapped students and teachers at Orire town in Oyo State in July 2026 after 56 days in captivity, dealing a decisive blow to criminality.”

According to him, the swift deployment of Navy personnel and specialised equipment to the treacherous Igbokoda swamp for the rescue mission at the crash site of the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft also reflects the Service’s profound readiness to protect Nigerian lives across all terrains.

“The Navy’s unwavering dedication therefore remains vital to maintaining national security in Nigeria and sustaining regional maritime security.

“As such, I am proud to say that the Nigerian Navy has continued to contribute meaningfully to addressing security concerns through a whole-of-government approach as espoused in my military strategic philosophy,” the CDS said.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Gen. Oluyede said the 2026 annual Chief of the Naval Staff Retreat was a critical platform for strategic introspection and appraisal of the Nigerian Navy’s efforts.

According to him, it offers a vital forum for re-examining the Navy’s strategies, doctrines, and operational structures.

He said the theme of the event “Appraisal of Nigerian Navy Commands for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness” was relevant to Nigeria’s national security.

“I look forward to getting feedback on strategies that will particularly reinforce the synergy in our joint operations across the country towards effectively combating security threats,” he said

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the theme of the retreat, “Appraisal of the Nigerian Navy Commands for Enhanced Operational Effectiveness,” was particularly significant, as it provides a forum to review operational performance, evaluate progress towards achieving our objectives and chart a clear course for the coming year.

He said the forum also allows them to reflect on their institutional capabilities and to ensure that their activities remain aligned with the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional mandate.

He said: “Beyond reviewing the past year, this retreat must also establish a clear direction for the next strategic year. Our priorities and operational plans must be informed by emerging security threats and aligned with the strategic direction of the Federal Government, particularly the National Threat Assessment and the Five-Year National Defence and Security Operations Plan, which is currently being finalised.

“You will recall that, following my assumption of office in 2025, I outlined my strategic priorities during my maiden meeting with Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding, Commanding Officers and other senior commanders.

“These priorities, particularly in the areas of operations, administration and discipline, were subsequently articulated through my Strategic Directives 2026. The Directives established 6 strategic objectives aimed at strengthening operational readiness, fleet sustainability, human capital development, institutional governance and maritime security operations.

“The Directives further identified key lines of development covering operations, fleet renewal, infrastructure, logistics, personnel administration, training, technology and inter-agency cooperation. Together, these provide a framework for translating our strategic objectives into measurable outcomes towards achieving a secure, safe and prosperous maritime environment, while contributing to the national security, development and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The CNS said the achievement of the strategic objectives depends on sustained commitment, effective leadership and periodic assessment of progress.

“It is against this backdrop that this retreat seeks to review the implementation of the Strategic Directives and assess the performance of our respective commands. I therefore expect the deliberations to provide an objective account of our performance over the past year.

“Our assessment must go beyond activities undertaken, programmes initiated and resources expended. We must focus attention on their actual impact on operational effectiveness and personnel administration.”

He emphasised “We must identify areas of success, performance gaps and underlying operational and institutional constraints, while advancing practical and sustainable solutions. This requires openness to reconsidering approaches that may have hindered progress and a willingness to adopt more effective ways of conducting our operations. Above all, we must recognise that the effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy rests not merely on the performance of individual commands, but also on how well they coordinate their efforts and complement one another as a team in achieving our strategic objectives.

The Naval Chief stressed that the Navy’s plans and deliberations must reflect prevailing security realities, emerging threats and operational requirements.

He therefore charged participants with developing well-defined priorities, realistic targets, and actionable recommendations, supported by clear responsibilities and measurable performance indicators. This will provide a practical basis for monitoring implementation and ensuring accountability across all commands and formations.

The CNS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision, support and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Navy and advancing national security.

“His continued support remains invaluable to our efforts towards securing the nation’s maritime domain and contributing to national development and prosperity,” the Naval Chief said