Tinubu Commissions Naval Vessels, Launches Gulf Maritime Task Force

President Bola Tinubu on Monday commissioned three Nigerian Navy vessels and unveiled a regional maritime task force aimed at improving security cooperation across the Gulf of Guinea.

The event took place at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos and formed part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy and the 2026 Navy International Fleet Review.

The commissioned vessels are NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila and NNS Gurara, which the President said will strengthen the Navy’s operational capacity and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Tinubu said the Navy’s 70-year journey reflects its evolution into a key institution in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters, economic assets and regional maritime interests.

He also inaugurated the Gulf of Guinea Combined Maritime Task Force, noting that it would deepen cooperation among regional countries including Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone in tackling maritime threats.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said recent gains in maritime security operations were driven by new platforms, improved surveillance systems and stronger inter-agency collaboration, adding that the Navy remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.