The Nigerian Navy will deploy advanced surveillance systems to curb piracy and oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Idi Abbas has said.

Speaking at a special Juma’at prayer marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, Abbas said the service is shifting from “reactive patrols to intelligence-driven operations”, backed by real-time vessel tracking and improved coordination between units.

“The Navy would not rest until criminal activities on Nigeria’s waterways are brought under control,” he said, speaking through Rear Adm. Muhammad Muye, Commandant of the Naval War College, Calabar. He added that high-tech equipment would boost detection, tracking and response against maritime criminals.

Abbas assured Nigerians that the Navy is “fully prepared to tackle threats along the nation’s waterways” and would sustain pressure on criminal networks to keep the maritime space safe for commerce and fishing.

The announcement came at the Eastern Naval Command Central Mosque, IBB Way, Calabar. Imam Navy Capt. Muhammad Zakariyah prayed for divine protection for naval personnel and coastal communities. (The Sun)