The Nigerian Navy has hosted about 1,500 Nigerians on a landmark sea tour in Lagos as part of activities commemorating its 70th anniversary, offering civilians rare access to frontline naval operations and maritime security activities.
The initiative, held aboard NNS KADA, DB Lagos and DB Abuja, was organised to strengthen civil military relations and improve public understanding of the Navy’s strategic role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Residents from different parts of Lagos and neighbouring communities thronged the NNS BEECROFT jetty early in the morning despite heavy rainfall that delayed the scheduled departure of the vessels.
Many participants described the voyage as their first direct interaction with naval personnel and their first experience aboard military warships operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The sea tour eventually commenced around 1:30pm after hours of persistent rainfall, with excited passengers documenting the historic experience using mobile phones and cameras.
As the vessels sailed through parts of the Lagos channel, participants enjoyed sweeping views of ports, waterfront infrastructure, beaches and major city landmarks.
The Nigerian Navy also replicated the exercise in other operational commands across the country, allowing civilians in several coastal cities to experience naval activities firsthand.
Speaking onboard NNS KADA, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the initiative was aimed at deepening collaboration between the military and civilians.
He noted that the Navy considered public engagement essential in building trust and promoting national awareness about maritime security operations.
According to him, the Navy has continued to evolve into a highly capable maritime force committed to securing Nigeria’s waters and critical national assets in collaboration with other security agencies.
Mustapha disclosed that the overwhelming response from Lagos residents reflected growing public interest in the activities of the Nigerian Navy despite the adverse weather conditions.
He said the service could not accommodate all applicants for the trip, adding that the turnout of about 1,500 participants underscored the public’s confidence in the Navy.
He further stated that sustained investment in platforms, manpower development and strategic partnerships had transformed the Navy into one of Africa’s leading maritime forces.
He highlighted collaborations with foreign navies including those of the United States, United Kingdom, China and several European countries as critical to enhancing operational capacity.
According to him, multinational exercises such as Obangame Express and Grand African NEMO have significantly improved interoperability and maritime security coordination within the Gulf of Guinea.
Mustapha also revealed that the Nigerian Navy recently established the Nigerian Navy Marines to support counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations alongside the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force.
He maintained that feedback from international engagements and joint exercises had continued to position the Nigerian Navy among the most professional maritime forces on the African continent.
One of the participants, maritime security professional, Bill Kisullawaau, described the sea tour as enlightening and commended the Navy’s safety procedures throughout the voyage.
Kisullawaau said naval personnel consistently guided passengers on safety protocols, restricted areas and emergency procedures, making the trip reassuring for first time sailors.
Although a few passengers reportedly experienced seasickness and were treated at the onboard sickbay, the majority of participants interacted freely with naval officers, danced onboard and watched Special Boat Service operatives perform tactical drills while gunboats escorted the warships through the Lagos waters.