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The Nigerian Naval is set to deploy more advanced technology and modern warfare to rout maritime criminals.
Speaking during his screening at the Senate plenary on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025, the confirmed Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas said the force under his command, will activate the deployment of advanced technology, which would include drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to deal with hydra-headed nuisance value of crude oil theft, piracy, and other maritime crimes across the nation’s waterways.
Explaining, he noted that such high-tech deployment would assist the force check the activities of the maritime criminals, bolster oil production and enhance effective surveillance considering the difficult terrains, its personnel operate, especially in the Niger Delta and other coastal areas.
“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.”
Underscoring that surveillance tools and AI-driven systems would be central to detecting and preventing oil theft and illegal bunkering, Rear Admiral Abbas added that such innovations would help plug financial leakages from Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
“Some of our patrols do not yield expected results because of the nature of the terrain, and resources are often wasted on fuel. Using drones will allow us to monitor these areas more effectively, Abbas explained.
In his response to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation’s question, Senator Olamilekan Solomon, the CNS explained that most oil theft take place in inaccessible areas in the creeks and coastal areas.
