The Nigerian Navy has launched multinational Obangame Express 2026 exercise to boost maritime security, tackle piracy, and enhance regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise was held at the Naval Jetty, Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, Rivers State, by the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Vice Admiral Abbas described Obangame Express as an annual multinational exercise aimed at enhancing coordination in maritime security efforts across the Gulf of Guinea.
The operation is designed to strengthen regional security, improve information sharing, enhance tactical capabilities, and combat piracy, sea robbery, trafficking, oil theft, and other illegal activities at sea.
Vice Admiral Abbas stated that Nigeria, which has the largest Navy in the region, has “deployed 10 naval ships, two helicopters, and other assets in a special operation to stamp out maritime crimes, including piracy, sea robbery, and illegal trafficking.”
According to Abbas, “ships from Spain, Denmark, France, the United States as well as other countries are also operating in the Gulf in friendly exercises meant to create a good business environment in the region.”
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“The exercise will help to deepen diplomatic ties and naval cooperation among participating nations, while promoting a secured maritime environment necessary for economic growth in the Gulf of Guinea,” Vice Admiral Abbas said.
The Naval Chief explained that previous editions of the exercise had yielded significant results, including Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries in 2022.
He advised participating officers and personnel to maintain professionalism, discipline, and dedication throughout the exercise.
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Vice Admiral Abbas expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for support, and commended the Flag Officers Commanding the Eastern and Central Naval Commands and personnel for their roles in the exercise.
“The success of an exercise of this magnitude is underpinned by meticulous planning, robust logistics, and unwavering commitment.
“I therefore wish to extend my appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support to the armed forces and the Nigerian Navy,” the Chief of Naval Staff said.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, said the exercise is designed to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance maritime awareness.
Rear Admiral Okehie said: “It involves a vital platform for fostering information sharing, improved collaboration, and building efficiency to counter a wide range of maritime threats, including piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, smuggling, and other forms of international organised crime within the Gulf of Guinea.”
He said, “This year’s exercise is relevant because it comes at a time when the Gulf of Guinea is witnessing new attention as a critical maritime corridor for energy security, international trade, and stability.
“For Nigeria, our maritime environment remains central to national security and provides a timely opportunity to reinforce renewed efforts to protect critical infrastructure and counter crude oil theft and other maritime crimes,” the Commander added.