The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has officially flagged off Exercise OMI AILEWU, a major operational and training drill aimed at enhancing maritime security and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets within its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The ceremony held aboard NNS KADA at the Naval Base, Apapa, Lagos.
The exercise was formally launched by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha Mustapha DSS GSS psc(+) MSc MA USNI mni, in his first major maritime operation since assuming office.
Delivering his keynote speech, Rear Admiral Mustapha emphasized that Nigeria’s maritime domain remains central to the nation’s economic growth, population needs, and blue economy agenda. “The maritime domain is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, the medium of global trade, and the first line of our national defence,” he said.
He stressed that the nation’s 220-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone continues to face persistent threats such as: Terrorism, Crude oil theft, Piracy, Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, Marine pollution, Arms trafficking, Drug smuggling and illicit trafficking.
According to the FOC, these activities are orchestrated by sophisticated non-state actors who constantly adapt their methods. “To counter them, we cannot simply have a deterrent posture; we must be pre-emptive, poised, precise and professional, leveraging intelligence and technology to defeat, deter, disrupt and deny any criminal activity in our maritime domain,” he added.
The exercise will run from 27–29 November 2025, and will test operational readiness, sharpen tactical skills, and strengthen synergy between naval forces and sister security agencies.
Personnel participating in the exercise will undergo drills including: Maritime interdiction operations, Boarding exercises and combat VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure), Anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics operations, Protection of critical national maritime infrastructure.
Rear Admiral Mustapha reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s longstanding philosophy: “The best form of welfare you can give a personnel is training. When we train to fight, we conduct operations efficiently and confidently.”
He further aligned the exercise with the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas AM, stating that the Navy will continue to train and deploy seamlessly to safeguard Nigeria’s waters for legitimate commerce and blue economy development.
Highlighting the operational framework, the Acting Fleet Commander and Commander Task Unit (CTU), Captain Levin Deyin, noted that “OMI AILEWU” means “calm or untroubled waters” in Yoruba. It symbolizes the Navy’s goal of ensuring safe, prosperous maritime corridors.
According to him, assets deployed to achieve its mission objectives, the Nigerian Navy has deployed: 4 naval ships, 2 helicopters, 2 Special Boat Service (NNSBS) teams, 2 tactical drones. The drill will be conducted in four phases: Preparatory Phase, Movement to Exercise Area, Execution and Conduct.
Captain Deyin explained that the exercise will reinforce the Command’s mission of establishing a credible, intelligence-driven, technology-enabled naval presence capable of detecting, deterring, disrupting, and denying criminal maritime activities. Exercise Timeline Highlights as follows: Thursday 27 November (E-Day), Ships cast off to Exercise Area, All vessels rendezvous at Position AA, Multiple interdiction drills, simulated smuggling and IUU fishing scenarios, helicopter fly-bys, and VBSS operations, Fleet deployment to designated patrol sectors DD, EE, FF, GG, Radio checks, assault drills, hot insertion operations, Opposed boarding (VBSS) simulation and air support, Gunnery exercises, communication drills and fleet manoeuvres, Patrol operations, Inbound transit to harbour
Rear Admiral Mustapha reiterated that EX OMI AILEWU supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s blue economy agenda and complements the CNS’s operational directives. He stressed that the Navy’s exercises are essential to its ability to respond to real-world crises.
The FOC noted the Nigerian Navy’s increasing adoption of technology, citing: Falcon Eye Maritime Domain Awareness System, Onboard sensors and integrated camera systems, Automated tracking for long-range vessel detection. “These systems allow our ships to see far beyond the horizon and intercept any vessel committing maritime infringements.”
The FOC also referenced previous multinational operations such as: Grand African NEMO in partnership with French naval forces, Obangame Express scheduled with the U.S. and allied navies. EX OMI AILEWU serves as a preparatory exercise ahead of the Chief of Naval Staff’s Annual Sea Inspection, which will evaluate fleet readiness and inform strategic improvements.
The FOC revealed that before becoming FOC, he initiated Exercise Safe Ember an ongoing operation that leverages technology and intelligence to maintain maritime presence and combat criminality throughout the ember months.
“We want to see how well our personnel respond and identify any gaps. These exercises improve readiness, response time, and operational precision.”
The flag-off was attended by senior commanders and representatives of security agencies, including: General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), Rear Admiral B. K. Effiong, Officers of the Nigerian Air Force, Other military and paramilitary agencies.
With confidence in the professionalism and resilience of Nigerian naval personnel, Rear Admiral Mustapha declared: “With immense gratitude to God, and full confidence in the skill, courage, and dedication of our personnel, I have the singular honour to flag-off Exercise OMI AILEWU.”