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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Nigerian Navy has turned a notorious pirate hideout in Cross River State into a training ground, flagging off its first-ever Intra Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise at Dayspring Island in Bakassi LGA of the state.
The exercise, tagged “Exercise Littoral Fury”, was launched in the hideout in Dayspring a location the Navy said was once used as a safe haven by pirates and other criminals.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas who was represented Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Navy said the shift from land-based firing to littoral operations was deliberate.
“This is the first of its kind being held here,” Effah stated. “Where we are currently standing now was a camp that was being used by pirates and other criminals. And as you can see, we are here today and there is no form of insecurity here.”
He said the exercise was designed to improve the proficiency of personnel in engaging mobile targets at sea, using both small arms and other weapons.
“Hosting this exercise here in Dayspring Island, which was once a notorious hideout for criminals, is also sending a message to the few ones that are still operating inside the mangrove that we are here to stay.
“We will continue to operate and not just operate to flush them out of this general area.”
He noted that the concept of competition was introduced to “bring out the best shooters” among various units stating that it will be replicated in other operational commands.
Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, said the focus of the exercise was to dominate the vast littoral environment and improve combat readiness of personnel.
“At the end of this exercise, personnel will be better placed to carry out operations more efficiently and effectively to ensure a safer maritime environment.
“We need to improve our weapons proficiency, tactical readiness and manoeuvres, and ensure that we dominate this environment”, Rear Admiral Okehie said.
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the State Security Adviser (South), Navy Comm. Patrick Odiong (Rtd), welcomed the initiative.
He described Cross River as a strategic point in Nigeria’s maritime corridor that “must remain safe,” and pledged the state’s continued partnership with the Navy to enhance security in the maritime domain.
Before the exercise at Dayspring Island, the command showcased a live drill at the Ikang border to test its combat readiness, equipment, and ability to coordinate air and sea operations.
