The Nigerian Navy has launched a major maritime security exercise, deploying 10 ships, two helicopters, Special Boat Service personnel, and maritime domain awareness assets. Codenamed 'Exercise Obangame Express 2026', the operation was flagged off by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Onne, Rivers State, on Sunday. Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral P.E. Effah, said the exercise began in 2010 as a U.S. Navy initiative in collaboration with Gulf of Guinea nations. It aims to strengthen regional maritime cooperation, improve information sharing, and boost tactical readiness against piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and trafficking of arms, drugs, and crude oil.
The exercise includes scenarios such as visit, board, search and seizure operations, anti-crude oil theft drills, and simulated hot pursuit. Abbas described it as a critical tool for unity of effort and interoperability among regional navies. He credited the annual drill with improving diplomatic ties and naval partnerships across the Gulf of Guinea. The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C.D. Okehie, said the exercise is sponsored by the United States Africa Command and spans West and Central Africa. He emphasized the Gulf of Guinea's strategic importance as a global sea lane and its exposure to evolving maritime threats. Abbas thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces and commended naval personnel for their professionalism.
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