Operation Abo Eja: Strengthening Surveillance, Enforcing Regulations and Protecting Nigeria’s Fisheries
To tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and protect Nigeria’s marine resources, the Nigerian Navy recently launched Operation Abo Eja, a joint patrol crackdown with the Federal Department of Fisheries and
Operation Abo Eja, a joint naval and fisheries effort, recently commenced in Nigeria to combat illegal fishing and safeguard the country's marine resources. Over the course of the operation, three trawlers were intercepted, and approximately 30 crew members were arrested on suspicion of violating fisheries regulations. This crackdown comes at a critical time, as Nigeria relies heavily on fish imports, with over 70 percent of its fish requirements being met through imports.
The protection of local fish stocks is essential for food security, coastal livelihoods, and the nation's blue economy ambitions.
Nigeria's annual fish demand is approximately 3.6 million tonnes, while local production stands at roughly 1.1 million tonnes, resulting in a deficit of 2.5 million tonnes. Estimates of the financial losses due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing range from $30 million to $70 million annually, according to different sources.
Beyond monetary losses, illegal fishing depletes fish stocks faster than they can replenish, endangers breeding populations, damages marine habitats, and captures non-target species. Compounding the issue, marine pollution and plastic waste further harm the aquatic environment that the fisheries industry depends on.
Operation Abo Eja, named after the Yoruba term for "fisheries protection," is a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Navy, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (FDFA), and the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC). The operation deployed naval ships, helicopters, Special Boat Service personnel, and maritime surveillance assets, all coordinated through the Western Naval Command Mission Control Centre.
The Navy's role is to bolster surveillance, enforce regulations, and protect Nigeria's marine resources.
During the operation, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, emphasized that while arrests are an important step, the ultimate goal is to recalibrate strategies, tactics, and procedures to detect, deter, disrupt, and deny illegal fishing activities. Success at sea has already been demonstrated, with three fishing trawlers intercepted and 30 crew members arrested for suspected IUU fishing activities, including violations such as using oversized mesh sizes.
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