By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has flagged off the Nigerian Navy’s Annual Sea Exercise, EX ERU OBODO, declaring it a decisive operational test designed to sharpen the Service’s combat readiness and reinforce its role as the guardian of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, 8 December 2025, Vice Admiral Abbas described the exercise as a cornerstone of the Navy’s operational calendar and a bold demonstration of its unwavering commitment to maritime security. “This is more than a routine drill, see it as a battle practice,” he charged participating personnel. “Operate with tactical rigor, procedural precision, and uncompromising discipline.”
The CNS explained that the name of the exercise, ERU OBODO translated as Guardian of the Nation, captures the essence of the Navy’s mandate. “You are the guardians of our blue territory, the protectors of our national economic lifelines, and the sentinels against all threats emanating from the sea,” he said.
Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria’s maritime environment, describing it as the backbone of national commerce, a reservoir of natural resources, and a critical theatre for security operations. He noted that the 2025 edition of EX ERU OBODO was carefully designed to simulate complex, real-world scenarios including advanced fleet maneuvers, anti-piracy operations, illegal oil bunkering interdiction, search and rescue missions, gunnery exercises and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.
He also emphasized inter-agency collaboration and the need to strengthen logistics and combat sustainability far from home bases, saying the Navy’s performance at sea directly impacts national and regional stability. “Our efforts remain central to reducing piracy, safeguarding shipping routes, and strengthening maritime governance across the Gulf of Guinea,” he said, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to the strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The CNS urged participating ships, helicopters, special forces and supporting units to push their platforms to peak performance while maintaining the highest safety standards. “Identify gaps, learn from every evolution, and build the muscle memory required for victory in a real confrontation,” he added.
CNS Abbas commended the Western Naval Command, the Exercise Planning Team, and all coordinating personnel for their professionalism in preparing the operation. He also reassured coastal communities and maritime stakeholders of the Navy’s unrelenting dedication to safeguarding their environment. “Exercises like EX ERU OBODO translate to a more secure Gulf of Guinea, safer waterways for fishermen and mariners, and a more stable foundation for national prosperity,” he said.
With full confidence in the fighting spirit of the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Abbas formally declared the exercise open. “My confidence in the competence and courage of the Nigerian Navy is total,” he affirmed. “It is now my honour and privilege to flag off the Nigerian Navy Annual Sea Exercise, EX ERU OBODO.”
