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By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 ships, two helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets and elements of its Special Boat Service for Exercise Obangame Express 2026, in a renewed push to strengthen regional maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known at the flag-off ceremony held onboard the naval warship NNS Ikenne.
Admiral Abbas was represented by the Chief of Operations at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.
According to him, the deployed assets will participate in a range of operational scenarios, including anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, anti-crude oil theft operations, and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Other activities lined up for the multinational exercise include visit, board, search and seizure procedures, search and rescue drills, as well as simulated hot pursuit operations at sea.
The naval chief said the exercise is designed to sharpen operational competence, test personnel readiness and enhance collective response mechanisms to real-world maritime threats.
He described Obangame Express as a strategic platform that has evolved into a key instrument for coordinated maritime security operations across the Gulf of Guinea since its inception in 2010 by the United States Navy in collaboration with regional navies.
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Abbas noted that sustained collaboration among participating countries has yielded tangible results, including Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone nations in 2022.
“This achievement underscores the effectiveness of coordinated maritime security initiatives such as Obangame Express,” he said, adding that the improved maritime environment has boosted investor confidence, increased shipping activities and supports the Federal Government’s drive towards a sustainable blue economy.
He expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces, while commending officers and personnel for their professionalism and dedication.
In a related remark, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, described the exercise as a major multinational maritime operation conducted across West and Central Africa under the sponsorship of United States Africa Command.
He noted that the Gulf of Guinea remains a critical global shipping corridor with vast economic resources, stressing the need for sustained maritime security collaboration among regional partners.
The exercise also coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, marking decades of commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to regional peace and security.
