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By Philip NWOSU
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has flagged off the Nigerian Navy’s annual sea exercise, codenamed Exercise Eru Obodo declaring it a major operational drill designed to strengthen maritime security within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Navy Chief described the exercise as “a cornerstone” of the Navy’s operational calendar and a direct reflection of the service’s readiness to secure the maritime environment against emerging threats.
Abbas explained that the name Eru Obodo, which translates to guardian of the nation, symbolises the Navy’s responsibility as protectors of Nigeria’s economic lifelines and national waters.
He said the exercise will simulate real-life maritime warfare and internal security scenarios including anti-piracy operations, illegal oil bunkering interdiction, fleet manoeuvres, logistics, search and rescue and joint inter-agency operations.
According to him, the drill is also aimed at identifying operational gaps and strengthening the Navy’s capacity to respond effectively to maritime insecurity, piracy and transnational crimes.
“Our strategic responsibility remains to dominate our waters, ensure freedom of navigation and deter any form of illegality. This exercise is designed to sharpen that ability to its finest edge,” he stated.
The CNS maintained that the Navy remains a “stabilising force” in the Gulf of Guinea, and has contributed significantly to reducing piracy and making Nigeria’s waters one of the safest in the region in the last two years.
He assured that under the direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Navy remains prepared to undertake any assignment necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s national and economic interest.
Responding to questions from journalists, the CNS clarified his charge to officers to “prepare as if going to war,” explaining that military training during peacetime is aimed at developing combat readiness ahead of possible real conflict situations.
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“When I said they should look at this as war, it simply means we rehearse during peacetime to prepare for war. They should push themselves and their platforms to the limit so that we know our capabilities and identify gaps,” he said.
On the recent developments in neighbouring Benin Republic, Abbas said the timing of the exercise was coincidental, but noted that maritime cooperation naturally covers the Gulf of Guinea region, including Benin.
“It is part of our responsibility to secure the maritime environment of the Gulf of Guinea to which Benin Republic falls within,” he noted.
On the issue of illegal fishing activities in Nigerian waters, the CNS said the Navy will continue to sustain aggressive sea patrols, adding that ongoing maritime surveillance remains a priority.
“We will continue constant patrols and showcase what we can do. This exercise is part of sustaining that,” he stated.
He pointed out that Nigerian waters have remained piracy-free in the last two years, adding that the Navy intends to maintain and strengthen that achievement.
Abbas assured coastal communities and maritime stakeholders that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to ensuring safer waterways, improved maritime economic activities and overall regional maritime stability.
Exercises such as Eru Obudu, he noted, translate directly to improved national security and economic prosperity.
