The Nigerian Navy don deploy 10 ships, two helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets and elements of its Special Boat Service for Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026. This one na major push to strengthen regional maritime security and counter evolving threats for Gulf of Guinea.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, wey dem represent for event by Chief of Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, make this known at flag-off ceremony wey happen onboard NNS Ikenne on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Anchoring the exercise on operational readiness, the naval chief state say the deployed assets go engage for series of carefully designed 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 wey dem line up for the multinational exercise include visit, board, search and seizure procedures, search and rescue drills, and simulation of hot pursuit operations at sea.
He explain say the scenarios na deliberately structured to sharpen operational competence, test readiness of personnel and refine collective response mechanisms to real-world maritime threats.
He describe OBANGAME EXPRESS as strategic platform wey don evolve over years into key instrument for advancing coordinated maritime security operations across Gulf of Guinea.
Highlighting impact of sustained collaboration, he recall say Nigeria bin delisted from International Maritime Bureau‘s list of piracy-prone countries for 2022 following suppression of piracy inside im waters.
He say the achievement reflect effectiveness of coordinated maritime security initiatives like OBANGAME EXPRESS.
He talk say: “This achievement underscores the effectiveness of coordinated maritime security initiatives such as OBANGAME EXPRESS. The resultant safer maritime environment don enhance investor confidence, increase shipping activities and support Federal Government’s strategic drive towards development of vibrant and sustainable blue economy.”
He add say the improved security environment don boost investor confidence, increase shipping activities and support Federal Government’s drive towards developing sustainable blue economy.
The naval chief express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for im support to Armed Forces and Nigerian Navy, while commending commanders, officers and personnel for dema professionalism and dedication.
For related remark, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, describe the exercise as major multinational maritime security operation wey dem conduct across West and Central Africa under sponsorship of United States Africa Command.
He note say Gulf of Guinea remain critical global sea lane with vast economic resources, making am imperative for Nigeria and im partners to sustain strong maritime security capabilities.
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