Nigerian Navy, allied nations launch anti-piracy exercise in Gulf of Guinea
The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with allied nations, on Sunday flagged off Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a multinational maritime exercise aimed at combating piracy and strengthening regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise was officially launched aboard NNS Ikenne, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Operations, Patrick Effah.
Conducted with support from the United States Africa Command, the exercise brings together over 30 countries to enhance interoperability among navies and maritime security agencies across West and Central Africa.
The five-day exercise, scheduled from April 26 to 30, involves the deployment of nine naval ships, two helicopters, maritime surveillance assets and Special Boat Service personnel. It also features participation from agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Speaking at the event, the naval chief described the exercise as a platform for improving information sharing, strengthening cooperation and enhancing maritime awareness across the region. He said it would also test operational readiness through scenario-based drills, including counter-piracy operations, anti-trafficking missions, illegal fishing interdictions, search and rescue operations, and visit, board, search and seizure procedures.
He noted that Nigeria’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone countries in 2022 was a result of sustained collaboration with regional and international partners, as well as initiatives such as Obangame Express.
The naval chief also highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea, describing it as critical to global trade, energy security and economic stability. He added that the exercise coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, reflecting decades of commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting regional peace.
The navy expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commended participating personnel and agencies for their contributions to the exercise.
