Friends, colleagues and associates have celebrated Nigeria’s 21st indigenous Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd), as he marked his 60th birthday, with tributes highlighting his service and contributions to national security.
The celebration was led by the Convener of Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Family, who formally commemorated the milestone on April 22, 2026.
In a statement, Abayomi-Family acknowledged Gambo’s operational leadership and strategic impact on the Armed Forces and the country both during active service and in retirement.
“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,” she said.
Abayomi-Family described the retired vice admiral as a decorated flag officer whose career in the Nigerian Navy was defined by discipline, professionalism and meritorious service.
Gambo, an Underwater Warfare Specialist, served for over three decades across various operational theatres, including deployments aboard NNS Ambe, NNS Damisa and NNS Ayam. He also served as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in Luanda, Angola, strengthening defence diplomacy.
Highlighting his extensive command experience, she noted that Gambo served as Naval Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff; Deputy Director and Acting Director of Defence Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser; Director of Research and Rescue at Defence Headquarters; and Director of Procurement at the Defence Space Administration.
Abayomi-Family further stated that under his leadership, the Nigerian Navy undertook a major fleet recapitalisation programme, with about 20 capital ships procured.
“These included the Landing Ship Tank NNS Kada, the Hydrographic Survey Vessel NNS Lana, and the Seaward Defence Boat NNS Oji, alongside contracts for Offshore Patrol Vessels and the acquisition of helicopters and patrol crafts,” she said.
She noted that Gambo’s tenure recorded significant operational successes, including Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone nations in 2022.
“Vice Admiral Gambo vigorously tackled crude oil theft through Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, widely regarded as one of the largest anti-oil theft military operations in Nigeria’s history,” she added.
“Within its first year, the operation 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, valued at over N71 billion.”
She also highlighted the commissioning of the Falcon Eye Alignment maritime surveillance system and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea through high-level meetings of naval chiefs.
Abayomi-Family said Gambo’s leadership earned commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who praised his role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“As he clocks 60, we honour not just the passage of time but a legacy of sacrifice, tactical courage and commitment to national service,” she said.
She prayed for his continued good health, strategic wisdom and enduring contributions to national development.
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