EX ERU OBODO: Navy Flags Off Annual Sea Exercise to Boost Maritime Defence
The Nigerian Navy on Monday flagged off its Annual Sea Exercise code-named EX ERU OBODO, a major fleet operation designed to strengthen maritime security.
The exercise, launched by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to sharpen tactical readiness and reinforce Nigeria’s dominance of the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise which took place at the Western Naval Command, Lagos and will involve ships, helicopters, Special Forces teams and multiple support units conducting high-intensity drills on the nation’s territorial waters
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Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Vice Admiral Abbas described the exercise as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime defence strategy, adding that it reflects the Navy’s readiness to protect national economic lifelines at sea and deter insecurity along critical trade routes.
“EX ERU OBODO is a bold declaration of our professional duty to secure the maritime environment. The name, which means ‘Guardian of the Nation,’ captures the sacred mandate you carry,” he said.
Abbas said the 2025 edition has been designed to simulate complex, real-world combat scenarios, including fleet manoeuvres, advanced gunnery, anti-piracy missions, illegal oil bunkering interdiction, search and rescue operations and visit-board-search-and-seizure drills.
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He added that the drills will test logistic endurance away from shore and deepen inter-agency cooperation with other security stakeholders.
“Push your platforms and yourselves to the limit. Identify gaps, learn from every evolution and build the muscle memory required for victory in real confrontation,” he told participating officers and ratings.
The Naval Chief highlighted the economic importance of a secure maritime domain, describing the waters as Nigeria’s vital economic highway, rich in natural resources and central to global shipping movements.
He noted that the Navy has played a stabilising role in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing to record reduction in piracy and improved maritime governance across West Africa.
Abbas credited recent progress to the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said has backed naval modernisation and operational reforms.
The CNS assured coastal communities that the Navy is committed to environmental protection, safer waterways and improved security for marine activities, including fishing.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and the exercise planning team were commended for putting together what the Naval Chief described as a highly technical operation.
As the fleet departed for the exercise area, Vice Admiral Abbas expressed confidence in the competence of personnel.
“Set sail, guard the nation and make us proud. God bless the Nigerian Navy. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.
The exercise is expected to run for several days, after which the Navy will assess lessons and integrate new tactics into operational deployment across the Niger Delta, offshore installations and the Gulf of Guinea.
By PRNigeria
