The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, officially launched the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) 2024 Annual Sea Inspection on Sunday, December 8, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) *KADA* in Port Harcourt. The exercise, dubbed *Exercise DEIN ABAJI*—meaning “Calm Waters” in Kalabari dialect—demonstrates the Navy’s operational readiness and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.

This year’s exercise features the deployment of 15 ships, three helicopters, and detachments of the Navy’s elite Special Boat Service. The initiative aims to assess the fleet’s preparedness to tackle maritime threats and support national security objectives.

Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized the critical role of *Exercise DEIN ABAJI* in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, especially with the government’s renewed focus on developing the nation’s blue economy. He highlighted the Navy’s efforts to ensure safe and legitimate shipping activities, resulting in significant reductions in maritime crime and increased crude oil production, with many oil companies reporting 100% terminal output. “This exercise provides an opportunity for the Nigerian Navy to test its readiness while fostering collaboration with stakeholders to achieve national security goals,” the CNS stated.

The Sea Inspection also serves as a platform for interagency cooperation and international partnerships, further bolstering the Navy’s capabilities through information sharing and joint efforts to combat maritime threats.

Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unwavering support of the Navy. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Honourable Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police, as well as maritime stakeholders and partners.

The CNS reiterated his commitment to personally assessing the Navy’s performance during the exercise. “We must collectively ensure that our waters remain safe and conducive for maritime activities,” he said.

The warships participating in Exercise DEIN ABAJI include NNS KADA, NNS DB ABUJA, NNS IBENO, NNS KANO, NNS SOKOTO, NNS OJI, NNS ANDONI, NNS CHALAWA, NNS BURUTU, NNS ZUR, NNS DORINA, NNS ABA, NNS BOMADI, NNS EKULU, and NNS IKENNE.

The exercise underscores the Navy’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for economic activities in the maritime sector while enhancing regional security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.