Nigerian Navy, UAE Deepen Ties On Maritime Security

Nigerian Navy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have deepened their ties to enhance maritime security and safeguard strategic trade routes within the Gulf of Guinea.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Saylem Saeed Alshamsi.

A statement by the naval spokesperson, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said discussions during the engagement focused on maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, naval technological transfer and coordinated efforts against piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery and other transnational maritime threats affecting the Gulf of Guinea.

Ambassador Aishamsi commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained operational successes in securing regional waters and protecting critical maritime infrastructure.

He noted the strategic impact of the Nigerian Navy operation, Operation DELTA SENTINEL, highlighting the recent seizure of a large cache of crude oil and petroleum products by Nigerian Navy troops.

He added that increasing trade and commercial activities between Nigeria and international partners further highlighted the importance of a secure Gulf of Guinea to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce.

He emphasized the need for stronger international maritime cooperation to sustain regional economic stability and confidence in global shipping.

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas pointed out that the construction of NNS KADA in Sharjah is a major symbol of the growing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the UAE.

The CNS stated that the Nigerian Navy looked forward to deeper cooperation in naval technology transfer to deepen indigenous shipbuilding, to enhance fleet readiness and ensure maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.