HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF NIGERIAN NAVY SHIP VICTORY
Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory was established in 1974 as NNS Anansa, a name derived from the Efik phrase meaning “goddess of the sea.” In 2004, it was renamed NNS Victory as part of the Nigerian Navy’s organizational development. The base is one of three Type-A operational bases under the Eastern Naval Command and is located in Calabar, Cross River State. Its area of operations spans the maritime boundaries between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States to the west, and extends eastward to the Republic of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, covering numerous creeks, fishing ports, rivers, and offshore installations vital to Nigeria’s economy.
The base is tasked with ensuring maritime security within its area of responsibility. Its core duties include policing territorial waters, protecting critical national assets, and securing inland waterways around Calabar and adjoining creeks. It also supports operations up to Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Additionally, NNS Victory conducts internal security operations, anti-smuggling, anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-piracy and sea robbery, clearance, and search and rescue missions. The base also provides logistics, security, and operational support to other naval units in the Calabar area and participates in joint internal security efforts such as Operation OKWOK, in line with its mandate to aid civil authorities.
Over its five decades of existence, NNS Victory has been led by 54 senior officers, including 25 Commanding Officers and 29 Commanders. Its pioneer Commanding Officer was Commander P.S. Hemben (1974–1975), while the current Commander, Commodore S.M. Ahmed, assumed office on 11 February 2026. Several distinguished officers who served at the base later rose to prominent positions, including Vice Admiral J.O.A. Ayinla, G.T. Adekeye, and Admiral I. Ogohi. Other notable leaders include Vice Admiral I. Abbas, Rear Admiral O.H. Ngalabak, and Rear Admiral C.D. Okehie It is worth mentioning that the current Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I Abbas was Commander NNS VICTORY (19 July 2020 – 30 March 2021).
As Commander NNS VICTORY, Vice Admiral I Abbas then Rear Admiral, made giant strides to consolidate the base’s operation. His efforts led to remarkable operational successes that ensured enhanced security within the base Area of Operations. He made concerted efforts in infrastructural developments in the base. He built an ultra-modern facility for the Regulating Department and upgraded other numerous facilities to provide conducive environment for effective service delivery.
The designation “Commanding Officer” was officially changed to “Commander” in 2004 following the renaming of the establishment. It is also imperative to state that the title Commanding Officer was changed to Commander in 2004 when the ship adopted its new name.