By Helen Udo, Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Nigerian Navy has officially launched Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a major multinational maritime operation aimed at enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise was flagged off on 26 April 2026 aboard NNS IKENNE, marking the beginning of coordinated regional efforts to tackle maritime threats.
Representing the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, presided over the ceremony.
Obangame Express 2026 is conducted with support from the United States Africa Command and involves over 30 participating countries.
The exercise focuses on strengthening cooperation, improving maritime domain awareness, and boosting interoperability among regional navies and agencies.It is specifically designed to combat transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery, oil theft, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
Scheduled to run for five days, the operation features deployment of Nigerian Navy ships, helicopters, and Special Boat Service personnel.
Key national agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, EFCC, and Nigeria Immigration Service are actively participating, highlighting strong inter-agency collaboration.
The Navy emphasized that the exercise will test operational readiness through realistic scenarios like counter-piracy drills, search and rescue missions, and boarding operations.
The Chief of the Naval Staff noted Nigeria’s improved maritime security record, including its removal from the global piracy watch list in 2022.
The exercise also coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, underscoring its longstanding commitment to regional peace, security, and economic stability.
