The Nigerian Navy has deployed 15 warships and three surveillance helicopters for the 2024 Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection, aimed at bolstering maritime security, curbing threats, and enhancing crude oil production in the Niger Delta.
The exercise, codenamed Exercise DEIN ABAJI, which translates to “Calm Waters” in the Kalabari language of Rivers State, highlights the Navy’s capacity to secure the maritime environment and support economic growth.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Onne, Rivers State, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, emphasised the Navy’s dedication to improving national security and supporting maritime stakeholders through collaborative information sharing.
He stated, “This exercise will positively impact our combat readiness and expose other maritime agencies to the advantages of interagency cooperation. Our maritime security operations have significantly reduced crimes in Nigerian waters, leading to increased legitimate shipping activities and rising oil production, with several companies now reporting 100% terminal factor.”
Ogalla acknowledged the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence, as well as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for their unwavering support to the Navy’s operations.
Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, noted that the Eastern Command was tasked with hosting this year’s inspection. He outlined the series of operations planned during the exercise, including: Anti-Piracy Operations, Anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT) Operations, and Fleet Maneuvers and Emergency Drills
“These activities will showcase the operational readiness of the Navy and its ability to respond decisively to threats, ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain for economic prosperity,” Akinwande said.
The Chief of Naval Staff concluded that the exercise would reinforce the Navy’s collective efforts to secure Nigeria’s waters, enabling safer shipping routes and enhanced economic activities in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
