Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 warships, two helicopters and specialist maritime assets in a coordinated operation aimed at tackling piracy, sea robbery and illegal trafficking across the Gulf of Guinea.
The deployment forms part of Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a multinational maritime security drill designed to strengthen regional cooperation and improve responses to transnational crime at sea.
Flagging off the exercise aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Onne, Rivers State, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the operation would focus on a broad range of threats, including arms and drug trafficking, crude oil theft and illegal fishing.
Speaking through the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral PE Effah, Abbas said the exercise was initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy in partnership with navies from Gulf of Guinea nations, and has since evolved into a key platform for collective maritime security.
"It 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," he said.
According to Abbas, the core objectives include improving information sharing, boosting maritime domain awareness and enhancing the tactical readiness of participating forces to counter both national and cross-border crimes.
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For the 2026 exercise, the Nigerian Navy has committed ships, helicopters, maritime surveillance assets and elements of its Special Boat Service.
According to him, the units will conduct scenarios covering visit, board, search and seizure operations, search and rescue drills, simulated hot pursuit, and efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
"These activities are deliberately structured to sharpen our operational competence, test our readiness, and refine our collective response mechanisms to real-world maritime threats," Abbas said.
He added that success depended on detailed planning, logistics and sustained commitment.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu for the armed forces and commended naval personnel for their professionalism.
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie, described the exercise as a great multinational operation conducted across West and Central Africa under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command.
Okehie explained that while the Gulf of Guinea remains a vital global shipping route, it continues to face evolving maritime security challenges, making sustained regional cooperation essential.