Nigerian Navy Pledges Stronger National Security, Targets Oil Theft with AI
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s national security and combat oil theft through advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI).
On Tuesday, Abbas led an operational familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Navy’s Special Operations Command (SOC) headquarters along River Benue in Makurdi, Benue State. He emphasised a “whole-of-society approach,” highlighting collaboration with other security agencies and communities to secure the nation.
“Our focus is to work with everybody. Everyone is important and will be on board to make this country better and greater,” he said.
Addressing oil theft, Abbas explained that his administration will build on previous efforts while integrating AI and modern technologies to enhance naval operations. “There are already plans in place. What I intend to do differently is integrate more AI and technology. With that, I believe we’ll achieve a lot. Our crude oil production has increased, and we intend to push it even higher,” he stated.
The visit, his first since assuming office, allowed the CNS to assess progress on the newly established command, noting that construction was ongoing. He described the Special Operations Command as a “critical strategic command” for naval operations.
Benue State Deputy Governor Barr. Sam Ode lauded the Navy’s decision to locate the command in Makurdi, describing it as a boost to inter-agency security cooperation. “It is our desire to continue to play a good host to security agencies so they can tackle insecurity, not only in Benue but across the country,” he said.
The SOC in Makurdi is part of the Nigerian Navy’s strategy to extend its presence to inland waterways, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and improve the country’s security infrastructure.
