The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has announced that Nigeria has recorded zero cases of piracy in its waterways over the past five years, attributing the milestone to intensified naval operations and surveillance.

Ogalla made the disclosure on Saturday during the passing-out parade of the 2025 set of Young Sailors at the Nigerian Navy School, Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom State. He was represented at the event by Rear Admiral Gabriel Aligwe, Chief of Administration at the school.

According to him, ongoing security operations such as Operation Delta Sanity and a series of naval patrols have helped secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“We have surveillance systems and at every point we have Nigerian Navy ships at sea to keep us safe. Don’t forget that for about five years now, Nigeria has recorded zero cases of piracy, and that tells you the amount of effort put in by our men who constantly patrol the waterways,” he said.

The naval chief also advised the graduating sailors to remain focused, resilient, and dedicated as they pursue their military careers. “The training they received is to give them proper grounding for a very bright and fulfilling career in the military,” he added.

In his goodwill message, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, congratulated the graduates for excelling in both academic and military training. Represented by the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, the governor urged the young sailors to shun social vices and remain committed to personal discipline.

“With the quality of features we have in this school, I have no doubt that you have been well groomed and have the requisite potential to succeed in the larger society,” Eno said.

Nigeria, once ranked as one of the world’s most dangerous waters for piracy, has in recent years improved its maritime security architecture, earning recognition from international maritime bodies.