Share!
How Falcon Eye Surveillance System Is Securing Nigeria’s Maritime Borders – Navy
The Nigerian Navy has revealed how its cutting-edge Falcon Eye Surveillance System has become a critical asset in maintaining maritime security and deterring illegal activities across the nation’s vast maritime domain.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday to mark the Navy’s 69th Anniversary celebrations, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans, said the system, along with the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC), has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s maritime domain awareness and response capability.
“The Falcon Eye System provides real-time surveillance coverage across Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), allowing for early detection of suspicious maritime activities and prompt naval response,” Rear Admiral Dewu stated.
He emphasized that the surveillance infrastructure has contributed directly to Nigeria’s continued zero-piracy rating by the International Maritime Bureau. “Our ability to maintain 24/7 monitoring of sea lanes has drastically reduced cases of piracy, illegal bunkering, and crude oil theft,” he added.
The system uses a network of sensors, radars, and high-resolution cameras strategically positioned along the Nigerian coastline. These technologies are integrated into a central command center that enables naval personnel to monitor vessel movements, identify threats, and coordinate rapid-response operations.
Rear Admiral Dewu noted that the Falcon Eye system has been instrumental in supporting operations such as Operation Delta Sanity II, under which several arrests and seizures related to oil theft and illegal refining have been made in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to securing Nigerian waters, the system also plays a crucial role in regional maritime security. The Navy’s leadership disclosed that the surveillance capabilities are being leveraged in collaboration with other Gulf of Guinea nations to combat transnational maritime crimes and ensure stability in the region.
With Nigeria playing a leading role in the proposed Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, the Falcon Eye System is expected to serve as a technological backbone for regional cooperation.
As part of the ongoing anniversary activities, the Navy is showcasing its advancements in maritime technology and reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests and coastal integrity.
Nigerian Navy to Unveil 3 Ships, 3 Helicopters to Boost Sea, Air Power at 69th Anniversary
The Nigerian Navy has announced plans to commission three newly acquired ships and three helicopters as part of activities marking its 69th Anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold from May 23 to June 1, 2025.
Speaking during an international press conference at Naval Headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Abdullahi Dewu, Chief of Policy and Plans, revealed that the new platforms are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the Navy’s maritime and aerial capabilities in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
According to him, the three patrol vessels—NNS SHERE, NNS FARO, and NNS IKOGOSI—were acquired from Singapore and South Korea, and arrived in Nigeria in December 2024. Each vessel, approximately 38 meters in length, is equipped for seaward defense within the littoral zone and can be deployed beyond Nigeria’s contiguous waters when necessary.
“These ships will significantly strengthen our presence at sea and improve the Navy’s ability to conduct surveillance, patrols, and anti-crude oil theft operations,” Rear Admiral Dewu said.
In addition to the ships, the Navy will also commission three AgustaWestland 109 Trekker helicopters, bringing its total helicopter fleet to 14. The air assets are expected to exponentially boost the Navy’s reconnaissance and rapid response operations, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal areas.
This fleet expansion comes as the Navy intensifies its efforts under Operation Delta Sanity II, which has already yielded significant results in the fight against oil theft and illegal refining activities.
The commissioning of the new ships and helicopters is slated for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at NNS BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos. The event will also feature the opening of junior officers’ accommodations, as the Navy continues to improve the welfare and capacity of its personnel.
Rear Admiral Dewu emphasized that these acquisitions reflect the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and reaffirm the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
