The Nigerian Navy on Sunday formally launched the 2026 edition of Exercise Obangame Express, a large-scale multinational maritime security operation involving countries across West and Central Africa, with support from the United States.
The inauguration took place at the Naval Jetty, Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne in Rivers State, and was conducted by the Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
Abbas described Obangame Express as an annual regional exercise aimed at improving coordination among navies operating within the Gulf of Guinea.
He said the operation is intended to strengthen maritime security cooperation, enhance intelligence sharing, and improve tactical readiness in tackling piracy, sea robbery, trafficking, crude oil theft, and other illegal activities at sea.
According to him, Nigeria, which maintains the largest naval force in the region, is participating in the exercise with 10 warships, two helicopters, and several special operational boats.
He further revealed that naval assets from Spain, Denmark, France, the United States, and other partner nations are also taking part in coordinated drills within the Gulf, describing the collaboration as a means of promoting a safer and more stable maritime environment for commerce.
The naval chief said the exercise would deepen diplomatic and security ties among participating countries while supporting economic growth across the Gulf of Guinea, which remains a key global shipping corridor.
Abbas noted that earlier editions of the exercise had produced measurable outcomes, including Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone nations in 2022.
He urged participating personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and fully committed throughout the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued backing of the armed forces and the Nigerian Navy, saying: “The success of an exercise of this magnitude is underpinned by meticulous planning, robust logistics, and unwavering commitment.
”I therefore wish to extend my appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support to the armed forces and the Nigerian Navy.”
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, also highlighted the importance of the exercise, describing it as a platform for strengthening regional collaboration and maritime awareness.
He said: “It involves a vital platform for fostering information sharing, improved collaboration, and building efficiency to counter a wide range of maritime threats, including piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, smuggling, and other forms of international organised crime within the Gulf of Guinea.”
Okehie added that the timing of the exercise was significant, noting increased global attention on the Gulf of Guinea as a critical route for energy security and international trade.
He stressed that Nigeria’s participation also reinforces efforts to protect vital national infrastructure and combat oil theft and other maritime crimes.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Rear Admiral Effah issued a warning to criminal groups operating at sea, stating that naval personnel involved in the exercise are fully prepared to respond decisively to any unlawful activity.
He reiterated that the operation reflects the Navy’s commitment to securing the maritime domain and ensuring safer waters across the region
