The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to regional maritime security and cooperation at the Commander Task Unit Brief on Exercise Grand African NEMO 2025 Nigeria Zone E, a major multinational maritime operation designed to strengthen collaboration, interoperability, and collective readiness among nations bordering the Gulf of Guinea.
The CTU brief, held at the NNS BEECROFT Officers’ Mess in Apapa, Lagos, was presided over by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, who represented the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Rear Admiral Mustapha, in his address, described the exercise as a strategic demonstration of unity and commitment among regional and international partners to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea and promote lawful maritime activities.
“Exercise Grand African NEMO stands as a testament to our collective determination to secure the Gulf of Guinea and promote safe, lawful maritime operations across West Africa,” he said. “It provides a vital platform for joint training, intelligence sharing, and improved interoperability among participating navies and maritime agencies.”
Highlighting the Gulf of Guinea’s strategic importance as a major artery for global trade and energy supply, Mustapha noted that regional cooperation remains essential in addressing evolving maritime threats such as piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, and trafficking.
“For the Nigerian Navy, this exercise aligns with the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strategic vision enhancing fleet readiness, improving maritime domain awareness, deepening inter-agency cooperation, and reinforcing multinational partnerships,” he stated. “It equally reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, which remains the foundation for regional maritime security coordination.”
During the Commander Task Unit (CTU) Brief, the Commanding Officer, Captain Levin Deyin, outlined the operational framework of Exercise Grand African NEMO 2025, scheduled to run from 10 to 17 November 2025. The exercise will bring together participating forces from Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and France, among others.
Captain Deyin detailed the exercise’s objectives, including enhancing joint operations, improving coordination among Maritime Domain Awareness Centres, and fostering information-sharing mechanisms critical to combating transnational maritime crimes.
“The Gulf of Guinea remains a vital economic lifeline, but its resources and shipping lanes continue to face serious threats,” he said. “These challenges underscore the need for sustained multinational collaboration supported by our partners to ensure a secure and stable maritime environment.”
Participating Nigerian Navy assets include NNS Kano, NNS Sokoto, two naval helicopters, and two Special Patrol Squadrons (SPS). Supporting units include the Western, Central, and Eastern Naval Command Maritime Domain Awareness Centres and the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo. Other stakeholders include the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Operation Delta Safe, Operation Awase, and partner navies from France, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Rear Admiral Mustapha emphasized that multinational exercises like Grand African NEMO have become globally recognized as essential to maritime security, as no single nation can effectively police the vast and dynamic maritime environment alone.
“Such exercises test our operational readiness, communication systems, and tactical doctrines, while strengthening bonds of cooperation that deter criminal elements across our maritime domain,” he noted.
He added that the post-exercise reviews would provide valuable insights to refine strategies, improve logistics, and enhance the efficiency of regional naval operations.
“The Gulf of Guinea is central to global shipping and energy logistics. Any disruption here reverberates through international markets,” Mustapha warned. “Our proactive approach sends a clear signal, we are prepared, capable, and united against all forms of maritime crime.”
Conveying the goodwill of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the FOC commended all participating personnel and partner nations for their professionalism and dedication.
“Maritime security is a shared responsibility anchored on trust, cooperation, and unity of purpose,” he said. “Through Grand African NEMO 2025, we demonstrate that Africa and her partners can effectively safeguard our waters through solidarity, professionalism, and shared vision.”
He concluded by wishing all participating ships and crews fair winds, calm seas, and successful operations throughout the duration of the exercise.