Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for a significant boost in naval manpower to enhance the fight against oil theft within the country’s maritime borders.
Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily,’ as part of events commemorating the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary, Ogalla noted that the Navy’s current strength of just over 30,000 personnel is insufficient to effectively patrol Nigeria’s expansive coastal waters, which make up about one-third of the country’s landmass.
The naval chief highlighted ongoing efforts to close the manpower gap through increased annual recruitment.
He described the fight against oil theft as a continuous one, but expressed confidence in the progress made so far.
Ogalla stated that the Navy has evolved from its modest beginnings with a few boats donated by the Royal Navy into the third largest naval force on the African continent, aspiring to be the foremost naval force in Africa capable of contributing meaningfully to global maritime security.
He noted significant growth in infrastructure, platforms, and surveillance capabilities, citing that the Navy now operates one of the world’s most effective maritime awareness systems, giving comprehensive visibility across the seas.
However, he emphasised that technological tools must be complemented by capable personnel, and the Navy is therefore focused on developing and equipping its officers accordingly.
Ogalla reported a notable reduction in oil theft over the past few years and advocated for a collective approach among security agencies, including the Army and Air Force, alongside the active involvement of coastal communities.
He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of oil theft through non-kinetic measures such as tackling unemployment and illiteracy.
He revealed that some vessels used in oil theft operations are owned by foreign nationals, complicating prosecution efforts.
To address this, Ogalla reiterated his call for the establishment of special courts dedicated to maritime offences.
He confirmed that a proposal has already been submitted to the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and is under consideration.
The naval chief assured Nigerians that oil theft can be curtailed to a point where it no longer poses a threat to the country’s economic stability.
He also confirmed that under his leadership, personnel found complicit in oil theft have been disciplined—some stripped of their ranks, and others dismissed entirely. “It’s too risky for any of our men to engage in oil theft,” he warned.
To bolster surveillance and rapid response capacity, Ogalla disclosed that the Navy has launched three new ships and three helicopters, expanding its operational infrastructure.
