No fewer than 10 warships from the Nigerian Navy have returned to base after completing a military exercise aimed at combating criminal activities in the nation’s waters and the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
The participating warships included Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Sagbama, NNS Nwamba, NNS Ibeno, NNS Dorina, NNS Gongola, NNS Ikene, NNS Badagry, NNS Oji, NNS Ose, and NNS Okpoku.
Rear Admiral Umar Chugali, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command (CNC), addressed the press following the arrival of the warships in Onne, Rivers State. He declared the operation, codenamed ‘Exercise Sea Guardian,’ to be a resounding success.
The exercise encompassed a range of activities, including anti-crude oil theft operations, vessel seizure, fleet manoeuvres, man overboard drills, and gunnex exercises.
“Our soldiers also conducted communications and emergency drills, such as firefighting, steering gear breakdown, machinery failure, and abandon ship procedures,” Rear Admiral Chugali stated. “The exercise served to showcase the capacity and capability of our ships to secure Nigeria’s maritime space and the Gulf of Guinea.”
Joining the warships were two attack helicopters and a detachment of the Navy’s Special Boat Service, which is equivalent to the United States Navy Seals.
Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command (ENC), affirmed that troops from both the eastern and central naval commands based in Calabar and Yenagoa respectively, participated in the exercise.
“The exercise forms part of our comprehensive approach to eradicating crude oil theft, sea robbery, sea piracy, and other criminal activities in Nigeria’s waters,” Rear Admiral Oluwagbire explained.
“By conducting this exercise, we are testing our capability and preparedness to safeguard our waters and the Gulf of Guinea from criminals. We strive to present the best personnel and assets in our deployments,” he continued.
The successful conclusion of this military exercise is a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime security and the protection of Nigeria’s interests in the Gulf of Guinea.
