The western Naval command has said that the ongoing multinational sea exercise tagged “Obangame Express 2025” is designed to improve maritime security among the African coasts.

The explained that the word “Obangame” means togetherness in several African dialects and that the primary purpose of the exercise is to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and tactical information expertise.

According to the command the exercise will strengthen the collective capabilities of participating nations to counter seafarers’ illicit activities. This exercise will bring together partners from the Gulf of Guinea, the Americas, and Europe to evaluate the Nigerian Navy’s capabilities in conducting maritime security operations alongside partner navies as part of its calendar of events for the year.

The exercise would afford participating officers the opportunity to develop skills that would have a lasting impact on regional security in the Gulf of Guinea and, by extension, the Atlantic Ocean.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony onboard NNS KADA was the Acting Fleet Commander and Operational Tactical Officer, Captain L.D. Deyin.

“The purpose of the exercise is not merely a training event but a strategic imperative to tackle mutating threats such as small arms smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking, as well as other related maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea,” Deyin noted.

He disclosed that the exercise, which started on May 9 and is expected to end on May 13, serves as a veritable platform for collaboration among navies of Gulf of Guinea countries, international partners, and other maritime stakeholders to improve security in the region.

This, he said, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, particularly in ensuring peace and a secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

Highlighting the exercise area and timetable, Captain Deyin said the area selected for the operation is 20 to 30 nautical miles southwest of Lagos, subdivided into three sectors. In each sector, two Nigerian ships and one foreign ship are participating. Maritime interdiction operations will be conducted across the designated areas.

He further noted that the task units are organized to effectively simulate and counter various maritime threats. “There are six fellowships in all, including one foreign ship, other youth volunteers, and NNS Beecroft units. The two ships are expected to commence the exercise immediately,” he added.

According to the timetable, the exercise was flagged off on May 9, followed by a cast-off phase, where ships proceeded to ignition positions for communication checks. On May 10, participants will conduct small arms and narcotics operations, with the foreign ship serving as the ‘rock ship.’ On May 11, the roles will be reversed, followed by maneuvering drills and ship-handling exercises on May 12. The operation will be debriefed and concluded on May 13.

Speaking during the flag-off, Lt. Benjamin Ralen, United States of America Maritime Program Officer for Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm: “It’s an honour to be here on board this beautiful ship. It’s great to be here, and I appreciate the invite. We’re very excited for this 14th iteration of Obangame Express, involving over 25 countries, including Nigeria.”

He emphasized the importance of such operations in building strength, stability, and partnerships across the region. “Over the next few days, there will be a number of highly realistic exercises and scenarios at sea, with a focus on maritime domain awareness, including Law of the Sea practices.

I wish all the ships and units a great exercise and look forward to seeing the results,” Ralen added.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command AIG Musa Yusuf Garba joined the Chief of the Naval Staff, other service Commanders, and representative of the US Embassy in the flag off ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025 which took place onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Kada.

Exercise OBANGAME Express is a multi-national naval exercise that aims to enhance cooperation and information sharing among member states of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly countering maritime crimes.

The Maritime Police Command extends its profound appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the esteemed invitation to the opening ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025. The Command recognizes and commends the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering dedication to enhancing regional maritime security and fostering multilateral cooperation.

AIG Musa Yusuf Garba reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening its collaborative efforts in safeguarding the maritime domain.

Representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, was the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, who reiterated the strategic importance of the operation.

In his remarks, Oamen, stated: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the flag-off ceremony of Exercise Obangame Express 2025. Over the years, this exercise has played a pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and regional stability. It has grown significantly since its inception in 2010, now including credible navies from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.”

He disclosed that the Nigerian Navy will deploy six warships, two helicopters, and maritime domain awareness capability assets, including the Special Boat Services (SBS). He acknowledged that international collaboration has helped improve Nigeria’s readiness and mentioned that the International Maritime Bureau delisted Nigeria from the piracy-prone nations list in March 2022.

“This is a plus, especially as we work to promote the Blue Economy under the present administration,” Rear Admiral Oamen stated.