Navy deploys ships, helicopters in anti-Crime operation across Gulf of Guinea

The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 ships, two helicopters, and other assets for a large-scale operation aimed at combating maritime crimes, including piracy, sea robbery, and illegal trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.

The deployment was announced on Sunday during the flag-off of Exercise Obangame Express 2026 aboard Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Onne, Rivers State by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters, P.E. Effah.

Vice Admiral Abbas said the operation would target a range of maritime threats, including arms and drug trafficking, crude oil theft, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

“These assets will be engaged in… anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, anti-crude oil theft operations, anti-illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing… as well as search and rescue exercises,” Mr Abbas said.

Strategic objectives

The naval chief noted that the exercise is designed to strengthen regional cooperation and improve operational readiness among participating forces.

“It remains a critical instrument for fostering unity of effort, enhancing interoperability, and consolidating our shared resolve to secure our maritime domain,” he stated.

Mr Abbas added that the exercise aims to boost information sharing, maritime domain awareness, and the capacity to counter transnational crimes at sea.

Multinational collaboration

Exercise Obangame Express, initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy in collaboration with Gulf of Guinea nations, has evolved into a major platform for joint maritime security operations.

According to the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, C.D. Okehie, the exercise is conducted under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command.

Mr Okehie noted that the Gulf of Guinea remains a critical global shipping corridor but is increasingly exposed to evolving security threats.

The deployed assets will undertake various tactical operations, including visit, board, search and seizure procedures, search and rescue missions, and simulation of hot pursuit scenarios.

“These activities are deliberately structured to sharpen our operational competence… and refine our collective response mechanisms to real-world maritime threats,” Mr Abbas said.

Vice Admiral Abbas commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces, while praising naval personnel for their professionalism.

“Through sustained collaboration, we will… build a more secure, stable, and prosperous maritime domain,” he added.