The Nigerian Navy on Saturday has flagged off Exercise Obangame Express 2026 with the deployment of 10 ships and two helicopters, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The five-day event which begun yesterday, is expected to end on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The Sea inspection exercse will also deploy maritime domain awareness assets and elements of the Special Boat Service to engage in a series of carefully designed scenarios, including anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs exercise, anti Crude Oil theft operations, anti- Ilegal unregulated and unreported fishing, visit, board, search and seizure procedures, as well as search and rescue exercise and simulation of hot pursuit.

The flag off exercise took place onboard NNS Kada at the Onne Jetty in Rivers State, and drew participation from officers from sister security agencies and international partners.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff(CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas noted that the annual multinational exercise is critical in tackling evolving maritime threats.

Represented at the ocassion by an official from Naval headquarter Abuja, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah Effah, the CNS said the exercise was also meant to build capacity personnel to counter maritime crimes, particularly, bpiracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking and other illicit activities at sea.

He stressed that no single nation can secure its waters in isolation, describing Obangame Express as a platform for participating countries to train together, build trust and enhance real-time operational coordination.

“This annual exercise has, over the years, evolved into a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations within the Gulf of Guinea. 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.

“The core objectives include, to strengthen regional maritime security cooperation, enhance information sharing and maritime domain awareness, improve tactical and operational readiness, as well as to build the capacity of participating navies to effectively counter both national and transnational maritime crimes, particularly piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking and other illicit activities at sea…”

Furthermore, Abbas noted improved safety within Nigeria’s waters, adding that, it has increased investors confidence, encouraged shipping activities and supported the Federal Government’s drive towards a sustainable blue economy.

“I am pleased to note that the sustained collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Navy, in synergy with regional and international partners, have yielded measurable results, among others.

He thanked President Ahmed Tinubu for the commitment and supports to the military, while commending officers and personnel involved in the exercise for their professionalism and dedication.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie had described Obangame Express as a major annual multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the United States Africa Command.

He said the exercise has over the years evolved into a vital platform for enhancing interoperability, information sharing and tactical proficiency required to combat maritime threats across West and Central Africa.

Okehie noted that the Gulf of Guinea remains a critical global sea lane, making it imperative for Nigeria to sustain robust maritime security capabilities and deepen collaboration with regional and international partners.

“Exercise Obangame express 2026 is a major annual multinational maritime security exercise conducted across West and Central Africa, under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command.

“The exercise is strategically designed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance maritime domain awareness, and improve interdiction capabilities among participating nations.” he said.

He equally commended the Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara for providing an enabling environment for naval operations in the state, alongside other stakeholders and international partners for their support. (The Nation)

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