Navy deploys helicopters, others to curb crime in Gulf of Guinea

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 being deployed will engage in anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs operations, anti-crude oil theft operations, anti-illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, 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, held on board 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 navies of Gulf of Guinea nations.

He said the annual exercise has grown remarkably in scope, participation and strategic relevance, adding that it has evolved into a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations within the Gulf of Guinea over the years.

The CNS stated, “It (exercise) 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. It includes 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 Exercise Obangame has significantly contributed to improving diplomatic relations and strengthening naval partnerships across the region and beyond, thereby reinforcing 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 operations, 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 said.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy and lauded the Flag Officers Commanding Eastern and Central Commands, the Fleet Commanders Eastern and Central Fleet, and all participating units and personnel for their professionalism, dedication and determination to safeguard the maritime environment.

Abbas continued, “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.

“As you proceed to sea alongside your counterparts from partner nations, I urge you to remain professional, disciplined and committed to the objectives of this exercise.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C. D. Okehie, said Obangame Express 2026 is a major annual multinational maritime security exercise conducted across West and Central Africa under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command.

He said, “In this regard, it is imperative for the Nigerian Navy to remain fully prepared in all respects to support both domestic and regional maritime security initiatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while also contributing meaningfully to collective regional security frameworks.

“This year’s exercise is particularly significant given the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea and more specifically, Nigeria’s maritime domain, which is endowed with vast economic resources that are vital to national development.”

Okehie noted that the Gulf of Guinea serves as a major global sea lane of commerce and communication, making it indispensable not only to regional economies but also to international trade, and thus vulnerable to evolving maritime threats.

“It is therefore imperative that Nigeria continues to build, strengthen and sustain robust maritime security capabilities, while deepening cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners,” he stated.