The Grand African NEMO Exercise 2024 officially began on November 4, with an opening ceremony held on board the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA. Rear Admiral MG Oamen delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the exercise’s crucial role in bolstering maritime security and supporting blue economic growth in the Gulf of Guinea, through the collaborative Awonde process. This initiative brought together naval forces from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Spain, marking an international effort to address critical security issues affecting the region.

The 2024 exercise targeted key threats including illicit fishing and arms trafficking, oil bunkering, drug trafficking, and hostage situations. These persistent security challenges undermine regional stability and economic progress, underscoring the importance of a coordinated response among Gulf of Guinea nations and international allies.

Commodore Ibrahim Mohammed Kastin, Fleet Commander of the Western Fleet, led the exercise’s tactical operations, with Captain Andrew Zidon commanding NNS KADA. The Nigerian Navy contributed essential assets, including NNS KADA, NNS ABA, NNS CHALLAWA, NNS NGURU, two helicopters, and specialized units trained for targeted maritime operations. This deployment demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to tackle maritime threats alongside international partners.

In a briefing with Hybrid News, Commodore Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the exercise’s outcomes, highlighting the pilot testing of Nigeria’s model for coordinated information sharing with the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E. He described improved information flow and strengthened regional coordination as vital achievements of the exercise.

Captain Zidon emphasized that the exercise provided essential training and testing of interoperability between navies, fostering enhanced cooperation. He noted that the event empowered African nations to take a leadership role in addressing Gulf of Guinea security challenges, contributing to notable declines in piracy and maritime crime in recent years. “The exercise allows the Nigerian Navy to train personnel and test interoperability, helping us take a leading role in regional security,” Zidon stated.

The Grand African NEMO Exercise reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering partnerships with neighboring nations’ navies and coast guards, further promoting a secure maritime space. This collaboration, paired with Nigeria’s enhanced operational capacity, has left the Nigerian Navy better equipped to handle emerging threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

Concluding the exercise, leaders praised the unified approach to maritime security, which is vital to safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea—a hub for economic growth and trade. The Grand African NEMO Exercise continues to serve as a platform for strengthening regional security partnerships and promoting sustainable blue economic growth in West Africa.