Navy Launches Exercise OMI AILEWU 2025 to Boost Maritime Security
The Nigerian Navy has launched Exercise OMI AILEWU 2025, a major operational drill aimed at combating maritime security threats within the nation’s Western maritime corridor.
The exercise was formally flagged off on Thursday, 27 November 2025, by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA.
According to the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), Captain LD Deyin, the exercise is a strategic operation designed to counter critical security challenges such as oil theft, illegal fishing, arms smuggling, human and drug trafficking, and attacks on national infrastructure along the maritime domain.
He noted that OMI AILEWU 2025 aligns with the FOC’s mission to sustain an intelligence- and technology-driven naval posture capable of detecting, deterring, disrupting, and denying criminal activities across the Command’s Area of Responsibility.
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The OTC disclosed that the exercise involves four naval ships — NNS IKOGOSI, NNS GURARA, NNS OLOIBIRI, and NNS MAMBILA — supported by two helicopters, two tactical drones, and personnel from the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service. Key operational components will include fleet manoeuvres, communication procedures, maritime interdiction drills, and coordinated sea operations.
In his remarks during the flag-off, Rear Admiral Mustapha emphasized the centrality of the maritime domain to Nigeria’s economic stability, national security, and the development of the emerging Blue Economy. He reaffirmed the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, that continuous, high-quality training remains the best form of welfare for naval personnel and is vital to ensuring safe waters for commercial and national activities.
The FOC urged participating personnel to uphold professionalism, safety, and teamwork throughout the exercise, stressing that insights gained will further enhance operational readiness for real-world missions. He expressed appreciation to invited guests and officially declared the exercise open, wishing all participants a successful and safe operation.
By PRNigeria
