Celebrating Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo(Rtd.) @60: A legacy of excellence in national security

The Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies formally celebrates the 60th birthday of Nigeria’s 21st indigenous Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd.).

His operational leadership and strategic contributions to the Armed Forces and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, both during active service and in retirement, are hereby acknowledged.

In a statement, Convener of the group, Ambassador Mary Abayomi- Fatile, extolled Admiral Gambo, recognizing him as a decorated former flag officer whose career trajectory within the Nigerian Navy was consistently defined by discipline, tactical professionalism, and meritorious service.

His tenure as Chief of Naval Staff from January 2021 to June 2023 constituted a decisive operational era in the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. As a qualified Underwater Warfare Specialist of notable repute, he accumulated over three decades of combat-ready service across multiple strategic and operational theatres, including deployments aboard NNS Ambe, NNS Damisa, and NNS Ayam.

He also executed critical force projection duties as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in Luanda, Angola, thereby advancing the nation’s defence diplomacy with distinction. His command history further reflects operational depth and multi-domain versatility, having served as Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff; Deputy Director and Acting Director, Defence Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser; Director, Research and Rescue at Defence Headquarters; and Director, Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.

Under Vice Admiral Gambo’s leadership, the Nigerian Navy executed an ambitious fleet recapitalisation programme. A total of twenty capital ships were procured, with several key acquisitions initiated or completed during his tenure. These included the new Landing Ship Tank NNS KADA, handed over in March 2022 and commissioned into the fleet; the new Hydrographic Survey Vessel NNS LANA, delivered from France in 2021; the completion of the third Seaward Defence Boat, NNS OJI, alongside the commencement of simultaneous construction of Seaward Defence Boats four and five with keel laying in December 2021; the signing of a contract for two high-endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels from Dearsan Shipyard of Turkey; the ordering of multiple AW-109SP helicopters, with at least one delivered and inducted into service; the procurement of over three hundred inshore patrol vessels and assault craft; and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the refit and remodelling of Nigeria’s flagship, NNS ARADU.

His tenure recorded significant operational gains. Notably, in 2022, Nigeria was formally removed from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone nations, a landmark achievement in the nation’s security history.

Additionally, the first Presidential Fleet Review of the Nigerian Navy since 2010 was held in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, during which two new ships and a new helicopter were formally inducted into service. Vice Admiral Gambo (Rtd.) vigorously tackled crude oil theft through the launch of Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, widely regarded as the largest anti-oil theft military operation in Nigeria’s history. The operation deployed 40 warships, 200 gunboats, and five helicopters. Within its first year, it recorded the seizure of 728,000 barrels of crude oil, 44.5 million litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2.46 million litres of kerosene, representing a value in excess of N71 billion.

Further achievements included the commissioning of the Falcon Eye Alignment, a state-of-the-art maritime surveillance and intelligence system and one of the most sophisticated domain awareness systems in Africa. His tenure also advanced local content development in naval shipbuilding and maintenance.

In securing the Gulf of Guinea, Admiral Gambo(Rtd.) took the lead in ongoing efforts to establish a Gulf of Guinea Naval Task Force. He hosted high-level meetings of the Heads of Navies and Coastguards of Gulf of Guinea nations in Abuja in April 2023 and in Lagos in May 2023, thereby strengthening regional maritime security cooperation. His leadership attracted strategic commendation, including formal recognition by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who lauded his operational direction and resolve in safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.

As the Organisation marks his diamond jubilee, honour is rendered not merely for the passage of years, but for a legacy of sacrifice, tactical courage, and commitment to national service. That legacy now resides among the annals of retired senior officers. His example continues to serve as an inspiration to the officer corps and enlisted ranks across all branches of the Armed Forces. The Organisation offers prayers for the Almighty to grant Vice Admiral Gambo(Rtd.) continued good health, strategic wisdom, and enduring relevance in service to humanity and the nation.