By Anwar Usman
The chief of naval staff, Idi Abbas, has said that the Nigerian Navy will adopt advanced technology, including drones and artificial intelligence, to modernise its operations and tackle maritime crime across the country’s waterways.
Speaking during his screening by the senate on Wednesday, Abbas said the navy would prioritise technological innovation over traditional fuel-heavy patrols for smarter, faster, and more cost-efficient approach to maritime security.
He stated that, “We will incorporate more technology, including the use of drones, to tackle maritime crime.” “A lot of resources are currently wasted fuelling boats to reach remote areas. Technology will help us respond faster and more effectively.”
He further stated that, the navy was fully committed to improving operational efficiency and reducing costs through innovation, adding that surveillance tools would be central to preventing oil theft and illegal bunkering.
“We already have structures in place to curb maritime crimes, but I intend to incorporate more technology, especially drones,” he said.
Abbas, while responding to a question from Olamilekan Solomon, senator representing Ogun west and senate committee chair on appropriation, said oil theft persists mainly in hard-to-reach creeks and coastal areas.
He also revealed that “the theft may appear minimal individually, but when accumulated, it becomes substantial. We’re exploring drone technology to monitor and control these leakages.”
Abbas reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to its total spectrum maritime strategy, which, he said, addresses major security challenges such as piracy, oil theft, kidnapping, and banditry.
Recall that, Tinubu nominated Abbas as chief of naval staff; Olufemi Oluyede as chief of defence staff; Wahidi Shaibu as chief of army staff; Kennedy Aneke as chief of air staff; while Emmanuel Undiendeye was retained as chief of defence intelligence.