The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 ships, two helicopters, and other maritime assets in a major operation aimed at curbing piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, and other illegal activities in the Gulf of Guinea.
The operation, flagged off under Exercise Obangame Express 2026, was launched aboard the NNS KADA in Onne, Rivers State, on Sunday.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral P. E. Effah, said the exercise is part of a long-standing multinational maritime security initiative first launched in 2010 with support from the United States Navy and regional partners.
He explained that the exercise has grown into a key platform for strengthening cooperation among Gulf of Guinea navies and improving collective responses to maritime threats.
According to him, the deployed assets will carry out coordinated operations including anti-piracy patrols, anti-crude oil theft missions, anti-drug and arms trafficking surveillance, and illegal fishing enforcement.
He added that the exercise also includes search and rescue drills, vessel inspections, and simulated pursuit operations designed to improve tactical readiness at sea.
Abbas said the objectives of the exercise include improving maritime domain awareness, enhancing information sharing among regional navies, and boosting operational coordination to combat both national and transnational maritime crimes.
He stressed that the Gulf of Guinea remains a critical global shipping corridor, making maritime security in the region essential not only to Nigeria but also to international trade.
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, C. D. Okehie, noted that the exercise is particularly significant due to the economic importance of Nigeria’s maritime domain, which is rich in resources vital to national development.
He said sustained cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners is necessary to build stronger maritime security capabilities across the region.
The Navy also commended President Bola Tinubu for continued support to the armed forces and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and ensuring safer sea lanes across the Gulf of Guinea.
