History of Western Naval Command
The Western Naval Command (WNC) was established in 1969 with its headquarters in Apapa. It is the premier Command and indeed the first operational Command of the Nigerian Navy.
The Command's Maritime Area of Responsibility (AOR) covers Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ondo state and it stretches from the border with the Republic of Benin to an area before Benin River entrance, which is the boundary with the Central Naval Command (CNC). The Command has a coastline of about 154nm and extends southerly to the outer limit of the 200nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Western Naval Command AOR is of immense importance to Nigeria's economic well-being. This is because most of the Nation's Maritime Assets, such as major seaports like Apapa and Tincan Ports, are located therein. The nation's principal Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) for export and import trades traverse through these major seaports.
Leadership
Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha
DSS psc(+) MSc MA USNI mni
Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command
Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha is an accomplished Senior Officer with wealth of knowledge on national security and war studies spanning over 3 decades. He has completed all relevant military courses at various prestigious institutions. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Master of Science Degree in Hydrography from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom and Postgraduate Diploma in Ocean Mapping from the University of New Hampshire, USA. He also has a Master of Arts Degree in Security Studies (Combatting Terrorism Policy and Strategy) from the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey California, United States of America among others.
The very Senior Officer underwent Junior/Senior Staff Courses at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji and the Senior Executive Course 39, 2017 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies among others. The Senior officer also attended several seminars and workshops amongst which are the Blue Economy Seminar in Barcelona Spain (2022) and the Senior Executive Seminar at the George C Marshall Centre for European Security Studies Garmisch Germany (2023).
In the course of his career, Admiral Mustapha has held several appointments some of which include Directing Staff and the Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, Commanding Officer of NNS LANA, and Defence Adviser High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, South Africa. He was also Deputy Director Defence Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Director of Training Naval Headquarters, and Chief Staff Officer Headquarters Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State. Until his appointment as the 46th Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, he was a Moderator at the prestigious National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.
As the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, the premier Nigerian Navy Command, he superintends over several coastal states, Islands and hinterlands spanning from Lagos to Ondo State, as well as Naval ships, aircraft and other capabilities. The FOC is also the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force South West Operation AWATSE.
Admiral Mustapha has the following awards and decorations: Armed Forces Command and Staff College Silver and Gold Medals, Pass Staff Course Dagger, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, and Distinguished Service Star. He is a member of several professional bodies amongst which are: International Hydrographic Organization, General Bathymetric Charts of the Ocean, United States Naval Institute and a Member of the National Institute. Rear Admiral Mustapha is happily married and blessed with children. He enjoys reading, travelling and hiking.
Command Organization
Command Headquarters
The Flag Officer Commanding exercises Operational command over units in the command's Area of Responsibility and implements policies in accordance with Naval Headquarters directives.
Western Fleet
The Western Fleet is commanded by Rear Admiral AO Ogunleye. The Fleet Commander exercises operational control of the fleet and is responsible for operations and day-to-day administration of ships.
Operational Bases
NNS BEECROFT: The oldest NN Base, forms the main Harbour Defence Group (HDG) of the WNC with FOBs at Igbokoda (Ondo State) and Badagry (Lagos State).
Naval Air Base, Ojo: Provides aerial support, search and rescue, VIP movement, and acts as a force multiplier for NN operations.
Welfare Units
NNS WEY (Barracks Administration), NN Reference Hospital Ojo, Obisesan Naval Medical Center Apapa, Sickbays, NN Secondary Schools (Ojo, Abeokuta, Imeri, Ogbomosho), and NN Primary Schools.
Key Responsibilities
Seaward Defence
Seaward defence of Nigeria's maritime territory.
Anti-Illegal Activities
Prevention of piracy, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, smuggling, trafficking in arms, humans and drugs, and dumping of toxic wastes.
Shipping Safety
Ensuring safety of shipping, economic and research activities.
SAR Operations
Conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) operations as well as Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC).
Joint Operations
Providing adequate sealift and naval gunfire support in joint operations.
Law Enforcement
Assisting in enforcing customs and immigration laws.
Flag Showing
Conducting flag showing visits to friendly countries in support of Nigeria's foreign policy objectives.
Operational Readiness
The Western Naval Command provides security for shipping and petroleum products pipelines in its Area of Responsibility. The operational ships being deployed for patrols by the Command have contributed positively to the Command's policing efforts. At any time, at least one capital ship from the command is at sea to show presence and for patrols.
Recent Operations
