Armed forces will not yield to any form of terror, Defence Minister declares.

By Evelyn Usman

General Christopher Musa (retd), Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, vowed that the Armed Forces would not surrender to terror in any form, affirming that the country would ultimately triumph over insurgency.

The statement was made on Thursday night during the Ceremonial Sunset Dinner and Awards Night at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event marked the grand finale of celebrations for the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary and drew more than ten former Chiefs of Naval Staff and representatives from friendly maritime nations across Africa and beyond.

General Musa acknowledged the seriousness of the challenges but stressed that cooperation with allied maritime partners remains the only viable path to defeating those who threaten the nation.

“The enemies are not relenting; we will not relent. We shall overcome and we will win the war. I want us to remain strong. The challenges are daunting, but collectively, we shall overcome because we have the spirit of success as Nigerians. We will never ever give in to terror in whatever form. The president is determined; members of the armed forces are working tirelessly, as is the entire security architecture of Nigeria and, indeed, Nigerians,” he said.

He thanked the President for supporting the Navy and the entire Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency, and he expressed appreciation for Nigerians who stand firm.

General Musa highlighted the Navy’s seven decades of safeguarding the country’s maritime frontiers. He noted that the Navy’s activities have transformed the blue economy by securing vital sea lanes, protecting offshore oil and gas assets, combating piracy and illegal fishing, and enabling sustainable exploitation of marine resources for national prosperity.

He recalled his career, from serving as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai to becoming the Chief of Defence Staff, and now Minister of Defence, saying the Navy has consistently contributed to successes in the Niger Delta. He praised the Special Boat Services and new marine forces, stating they will continue to serve with pride and that safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea will enhance the country’s value and standing.

Looking ahead, the minister tasked the Navy with becoming a highly technological, interconnected, and internationally collaborative force. He urged the adoption of surveillance, unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, and data‑driven operations, assuring that the Federal Government will provide the necessary support, resources, and enabling environment.

He congratulated Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of the Naval Staff, on the Navy’s exemplary performance, describing it as “an epitome of organisational prowess.” He also praised the awardees, noting that their courage, professionalism, and quiet sacrifices uphold the highest traditions of naval service.

Earlier, Vice Admiral Abbas announced that the Nigerian Navy had achieved zero piracy status in the Gulf of Guinea since 2022, a milestone he called a cornerstone of the nation’s maritime security framework.

Abbas noted that the Navy has grown from a few coastal patrol boats and 250 personnel to a fleet of over 152 vessels of various types and classes. He said this transformation is not merely numerical but represents a structural evolution that enhances the Navy’s capacity to address a wide range of maritime challenges.

He added that the development of Nigeria’s blue economy, valued at approximately $3 trillion, has been driven by relentless pursuit of maritime security. By fostering a stable environment, the Navy has lowered insurance premiums for incoming cargoes, creating a more inviting atmosphere for international trade.

Abbas also revealed that maritime revenue rose from about $700 billion in 2023 to an impressive $1.8 trillion by 2025, a growth that reflects the Navy’s operational success and the link between security and economic prosperity.

Looking forward, the CNS said the Navy will focus on “developing the robust capacity that ensures every inch of our maritime environment is monitored and secured, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber‑resilience solutions to boost both our surveillance and response capabilities.”

During the awards segment, the Nigerian Navy presented honours in seven categories to more than 30 recipients, including officers, ratings, and posthumous awardees. Awards included the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Commendation Award for gallantry in operations against insurgency and maritime crime; the Nigerian Navy Long Service Medal for pilots with decades of exemplary service; the Invention Award celebrating Captain Sio Obute’s indigenous naval vessel design; the Command at Sea Award for exceptional leadership of naval platforms; and special sports medals for excellence in boxing and martial arts, including a bronze medalist at the 14th Kilos Games.

The awards aim to foster a culture of excellence and dedication, inspire younger personnel, and affirm that quiet sacrifice and professionalism—whether securing the Gulf of Guinea, repelling terrorist attacks in the Niger Delta, or developing indigenous technology—will never go unrecognised.

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