Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 22

Tinubu Commissions Three Warships, Says Nigerian Navy Now Africa’s Most Formidable Force

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared the Nigerian Navy the most formidable naval force in Africa, commending the Service for its commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation”s maritime domain. Tinubu gave the commendation at the 2026 International Fleet Review and the flag off of the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) as part of events to commemorate the Navy’s 70th Anniversary President Tinubu also commissioned three new naval warships: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara during the event held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos.

https://maritimetodayonline.com Tinubu commissions three warships, says Nigerian Navy now Africa’s most formidable force | Maritime Today Online

How the Hormuz Crisis is Reshaping Shipping — And Lifting Lomé's Port

Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, 2026, global trade has continued to face disruptions, particularly in energy supply chains on which many importing countries, including Togo, depend. However, these disruptions have also led to a partial rerouting of maritime traffic toward Africa's Atlantic coast, benefiting ports such as the Port of Lomé.

Geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic passage linking the Persian Gulf to international markets, continue to disrupt global supply chains. Heightened security risks in the area since late February 2026 have prompted several major shipping companies to reroute their vessels, with effects felt as far away as West Africa.

Read more here: How the Hormuz Crisis Is Reshaping Shipping — and Lifting Lomé's Port - Togo First

FG urges African navies to leverage technology, collective action against maritime threats

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has called for greater collaboration among African navies and the deployment of advanced technologies to tackle maritime crimes and strengthen security across the continent’s waters.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sea Power for Africa Symposium and Maritime Exhibition in Lagos on Tuesday, Matawalle said the transnational nature of maritime threats requires collective action among African nations to safeguard maritime trade, economic growth and regional stability.

The symposium, organised as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy brought together naval chiefs, maritime security experts, policymakers and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.

https://maritimetodayonline.com FG urges African navies to leverage technology, collective action against maritime threats | Maritime Today Online

Sites, Seizes 77,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its campaign against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, successfully dismantling four illegal refining sites and recovering an estimated 77,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil in Rivers State.

The operation, conducted on May 31, 2026, was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH under the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL, a strategic anti-crude oil theft initiative aimed at curbing economic sabotage and protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.

Read more here: Nigerian Navy Destroys Four Illegal Refining Sites, Seizes 77,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Rivers

Ports Police Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Maritime Security

The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has called for deeper collaboration with maritime journalists as part of efforts to strengthen security within Nigeria’s port environment and support the growth of the nation’s maritime economy.

Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, made the call on Tuesday while receiving the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

Read more here: Ports Police Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Maritime Security

Navy Hands Over Suspected Militant To DSS In Calabar

The Nigerian Navy has handed over a suspected militant collaborator to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar following ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Calabar waterways.

According to a statement by Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Director Naval Information, made available in Calabar on Wednesday, Mr Ekiko Ime, popularly known as Pastor Ime, was arrested on May 24.

The suspect was arrested by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY deployed at the recently established security outpost on Dayspring Island, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.

Read more here: Navy Hands Over Suspected Militant To DSS In Calabar