By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has commenced one of the region’s most strategic maritime security operations, Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, bringing together multinational forces in a coordinated effort to strengthen security architecture and counter evolving threats across the Gulf of Guinea.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the exercise was formally flagged off on Sunday, 26 April 2026, aboard NNS IKENNE by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, who was represented by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.
The multinational exercise, conducted with support from the United States Africa Command, involves participation from over 30 countries and is designed to enhance regional cooperation, improve maritime domain awareness, and build collective capacity among navies and maritime security agencies in West and Central Africa.
Spanning five days from 26 to 30 April, the exercise features the deployment of nine Nigerian Navy ships, two helicopters, maritime surveillance assets, and Special Boat Service elements. It also integrates key national agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, underscoring a whole-of-government approach to maritime security.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas described the exercise as a vital platform for strengthening interoperability, deepening information sharing, and enhancing coordinated responses to transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
He noted that the exercise is structured to test operational readiness through realistic, scenario-driven engagements, including counter-piracy operations, anti-trafficking drills, illegal fishing interdictions, search and rescue missions, and visit, board, search, and seizure procedures.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strides in maritime security, the Chief of the Naval Staff referenced the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy-prone list in 2022, attributing the milestone to sustained collaboration with regional and international partners, as well as consistent participation in initiatives such as Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS.
He emphasized the strategic importance of securing the Gulf of Guinea, describing the region as critical to global trade, energy supply chains, and economic stability.
Vice Admiral Abbas further noted that the 2026 edition of the exercise coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting regional peace and security.
The naval chief expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to the Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy, while commending all participating personnel and partner agencies for their professionalism and dedication to duty.
