Navy deploys ships, helicopters against maritime crimes

The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 ships, two helicopters, and other assets in a special operation to stamp out maritime crimes, including piracy, sea robbery, and illegal trafficking within the Gulf of Guinea.

The Navy said the assets will engage in anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, anti-crude oil theft operations, anti-illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and search and seizure procedures, among others.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed this while flagging off the operation codenamed ‘Exercise Obangame Express 2026’ aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Onne, Rivers State, on Sunday.

Abbas, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral P.E. Effah, said the exercise was initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy in collaboration with the navies of the Gulf of Guinea nations.

He said the annual exercise had served as a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations in the region over the years.

The CNS stated, “It remains a critical instrument for fostering unity of effort, enhancing interoperability, and consolidating our shared resolve to secure our maritime domain against emerging and evolving threats.

“The core objectives of the exercise are clear and enduring. They include strengthening regional maritime security cooperation, enhancing information sharing and maritime domain awareness, and improving tactical and operational readiness.

“It also includes building the capacity of participating navies to effectively counter both national and transnational maritime crimes, including piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking, and other illicit activities at sea. The importance of this exercise cannot be overstated.”

Abbas further said the exercise had significantly contributed to improving diplomatic relations and strengthening naval partnerships across the region and beyond, thereby reinforcing the collective security architecture within the Gulf of Guinea.

“For this year’s exercise, the Nigerian Navy will deploy 10 ships, two helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets, and elements of the Special Boat Service.

“These assets will be engaged in a series of carefully designed scenarios, including anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, anti-crude oil theft operations, anti-illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, visit, board, search and seizure procedures, as well as search and rescue exercises and simulation of hot pursuit.

“These activities are deliberately structured to sharpen our operational competence, test our readiness, and refine our collective response mechanisms to real-world maritime threats. The success of an exercise of this magnitude is underpinned by meticulous planning, robust logistics, and unwavering commitment.”

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support of the Armed Forces and lauded officers and personnel for their professionalism and dedication.

Abbas added, “Through sustained collaboration, we will not only consolidate the gains already achieved but also build a more secure, stable, and prosperous maritime domain for our nations.”

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C.D. Okehie, said the exercise is a major multinational maritime security operation conducted across West and Central Africa under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command.

He noted that the Gulf of Guinea remains a vital global sea lane but is vulnerable to evolving maritime threats.