Navy, International Partners Launch Joint Operation to Combat Arms, Drug Trafficking
In a renewed effort to combat arms smuggling and drug trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy (NN), in collaboration with the Spanish Navy and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has launched this year’s multinational maritime security exercise tagged OBANGAME EXPRESS.
The operation was officially flagged off at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT jetty in Lagos, with the deployment of seven warships — six from Nigeria and one from Spain — along with two helicopters, maritime domain awareness platforms, and detachments of the Navy’s Special Boat Services (SBS).
First introduced in 2010, Exercise Obangame Express aims to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance information-sharing, and improve the tactical readiness of participating navies to counter maritime threats such as piracy, sea robbery, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
Speaking at the ceremony aboard NNS KADA, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla — represented by Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command — emphasized the importance of the operation in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security and regional stability.
“This exercise is a major boost, especially as we work toward the development of the Blue Economy under the current administration,” Ogalla said.
He noted that the 2025 edition of Obangame Express would focus primarily on curbing the smuggling of small arms and narcotics. Officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, Police, and other relevant agencies are also participating to ensure inter-agency synergy during operations.
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Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for the Navy and reiterated the service’s commitment to working with both local and international partners to rid the Gulf of Guinea of criminal elements.
“This multinational effort, led by the US Navy, has the participation of nearly all countries within the Gulf of Guinea. This year, alongside our six ships and aircraft, a Spanish warship is joining the mission,” he said.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the Gulf of Guinea — which is historically a hotspot for illegal activity — remains secure and hostile to criminals. The success of these exercises has contributed significantly to the decline in piracy. In fact, in March 2022, Nigeria was removed from the list of piracy-prone nations, leading to reduced insurance premiums for vessels operating in our waters and making our ports more attractive to global shippers.”
Captain L.D. Deyin, the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) and Acting Commander of the Western Fleet, said the exercise would run from May 9 to 13, covering an area approximately 20 to 30 nautical miles southwest of Lagos. The operation zone is divided into three sectors, with each to be patrolled by two Nigerian vessels and one foreign vessel.
According to Deyin, the task units are scheduled to conduct simulated maritime interdiction operations across these sectors to address evolving security challenges.
Also speaking at the event, U.S. Consulate Maritime Program Officer, Lt. Benjamin Ralen, noted that more than 25 nations are participating in this year’s exercise. He emphasized the role of such joint operations in building regional partnerships, improving stability, and advancing maritime security.
“Over the next few days, participants will conduct realistic sea-based scenarios with a focus on maritime domain awareness and adherence to international maritime law,” Ralen said. “
By PRNigeria
