The Nigerian Navy said it has successfully secured the country’s territorial waters, ensuring safe passage for local and international merchant ships. This was announced by Rear Adm. Zakariyya Muhammad, Chief of Training and Operations, Nigeria Navy, at the conclusion of a four-day naval expedition named “Exercise Nchekwa Oshimiri 2023.”
The exercise, which is part of the ‘Chief of the Naval Staff 2023 Annual Sea Inspection’, involved 13 warships, 88 patrol boats, two helicopters, and 4,000 personnel. It aimed to enhance the Navy’s presence at sea, thereby restoring the confidence of merchant ships and other maritime stakeholders in conducting legitimate activities.
Rear Adm. Muhammad stated that the exercise has led to the interrogation of several ships and the arrest of one, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to maintaining security in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
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The exercise has also positively impacted the security of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), providing more confidence to merchant ships to carry out their trade without fear of maritime criminal elements.
Capt. Tony Archibong, Commanding Officer, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS), Kada, described the exercise as a significant success. He highlighted that it was part of actionable steps taken to end oil theft, sea robbery, sea piracy, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Nigeria’s waters. The exercise also aimed to improve the operational capability of the fleets and stimulate real-time operational scenarios.