As part of its end-of-year activities, the Nigerian Navy (NN) on Friday, December 12, 2025, hosted its Ceremonial Sunset, Dinner and Awards Night at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, marking the formal close of its operational activities for the year.
The high-profile event brought together top government officials, senior military officers, stakeholders, families, friends and partners of the Service to reflect on achievements recorded in 2025 and honour outstanding officers, ratings and civilian staff.
Speaking at the occasion, the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained use of modern technology and robust operational strategies in addressing maritime threats and enhancing security within Nigeria’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Dr. Matawalle noted that the Navy’s efforts have significantly reduced sea robbery, crude oil theft and other illegal maritime activities, contributing to a safer maritime environment and supporting national economic growth. He assured the Service of the Federal Government’s continued support, stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to addressing challenges relating to platforms, surveillance equipment and logistics to further strengthen naval operations.
“I commend the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for their professionalism and dedication. The Federal Government will continue to provide the necessary funding and support to enhance your capacity and promote national development,” the Minister said.
He also acknowledged the synergy between the Navy and other security agencies in maintaining peace across riverine and coastal areas, describing the Ceremonial Sunset as an opportunity to relax, reflect and celebrate collective successes. Dr. Matawalle paid tribute to naval personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, assuring their families of the Navy’s continued support.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the event as the 25th Ceremonial Sunset and Awards Night of the Nigerian Navy, noting that the ceremony is an age-long naval tradition marking the end of activities for a specific period.
Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted 2025 as a year of remarkable progress and operational successes for the Service, particularly in maritime security, anti-oil theft operations, anti-smuggling and anti-human trafficking efforts. He disclosed that Operation Delta Sanity, which was relaunched as Operation Delta Sanity II, recorded significant successes with the arrest of several vessels and suspects involved in crude oil theft.
According to the CNS, the Nigerian Navy also strengthened inter-agency collaboration, handing over seized smuggled items to sister agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. He added that the Navy remains actively involved in joint operations across the six geopolitical zones to enhance national security.
Vice Admiral Abbas further revealed that the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service spearheaded the training of over 6,500 forest guards in January 2025, with an additional 7,000 currently undergoing training to safeguard Nigeria’s vast natural reserves. He also announced the establishment of the Special Operations Command and the Nigerian Navy Marines in April 2025 to bolster rapid response capabilities, with the first batch expected to be deployed in the first quarter of 2026.
On fleet and capability development, the CNS said the Navy took delivery of an AW109 helicopter, 18 unmanned aerial vehicles, and five fast patrol boats, while construction of two 43-metre sea lift defence boats is ongoing and expected to be completed by mid-2026. He noted that these acquisitions will enhance Nigeria’s naval power projection within the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
Vice Admiral Abbas also outlined extensive infrastructural and welfare improvements across various naval commands, including barracks development, accommodation projects, medical care, educational sponsorships for personnel and families of fallen heroes, as well as improved training facilities. He emphasized that personnel welfare remains a top priority of the Nigerian Navy.
The CNS highlighted the Navy’s role in regional and international maritime cooperation through exercises such as Obangame Express, Grand African Naval Exercise and other multinational engagements, which contributed to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence.
Despite these achievements, Vice Admiral Abbas acknowledged existing challenges, particularly in the area of equipment, expressing optimism that continued government support would help address them. He expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, the National Assembly, Lagos State Government, sister services, international partners, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the Nigerian Navy for its critical role in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, especially in Lagos, a state deeply shaped by water, commerce and maritime activities.
She described the Ceremonial Sunset as a powerful symbol of discipline, resilience and continuity of service, noting that even as the sun sets, the Navy’s duty never ends. She commended the Navy’s partnership with Lagos State in maritime security, waterways management, environmental protection and the development of the blue economy.
Barrister Salu-Hundeyin celebrated the award recipients for their exemplary service, describing them as role models for future generations, and paid glowing tribute to the families of naval personnel for their sacrifices and unwavering support.
“As a government, we remain committed to building a safer, more resilient and prosperous Lagos in harmony with the Nigerian Navy. We see your work, we honour your sacrifices and we will continue to stand with you as you stand for Nigeria,” she said.
The event featured ceremonial displays, award presentations and social engagements, setting the tone for the Nigerian Navy’s preparations towards 2026, a year that will mark its 70th anniversary, including plans for an international fleet review.