Maritime Security: Nigerian Navy Deploys 15 Warships, 3 Helicopters to Boost Oil Product
The Nigerian Navy has deployed 15 warships and three surveillance helicopters to enhance maritime security and boost oil production in the Niger Delta.
The deployment was launched as part of the 2024 Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection which was flagged-off today in Port Harcourt.
The operation, codenamed Exercise DEIN ABAJI, or “Calm Waters” in the Kalabari language, aims to strengthen the Navy’s presence in the maritime environment and support economic growth.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, while inspecting th operation said under his leadership, the Navy is committed to improving national security and supporting maritime stakeholders through collaborative information sharing.
In a statement by Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information said the CNS Sea Inspection is an annual exercise where the NN deploys most of her men o’ war and air assets in readiness for combat.
The CNS said the deployment of warships and helicopters is a significant step in the Navy’s efforts to curb threats and enhance crude oil production in the Niger Delta.
Among 15 ships casted today includes; NNS KADA, DB ABUJA, NNS IBENO, NNS KANO, NNS SOKOTO, NNS OJI, NNS ANDONI, NNS CHALAWA, NNS BURUTU, NNS ZUR, NNS DORINA, NNS ABA, NNS BOMADI, NNS EKULU, NNS IKENNE.
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His remarks: “This exercise will positively impact our combat readiness and expose other maritime agencies to the advantages of interagency cooperation. Our maritime security operations have significantly reduced crimes in Nigerian waters, leading to increased legitimate shipping activities and rising oil production, with several companies now reporting 100% terminal factor.”
Ogalla acknowledged the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence, as well as Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for their unwavering support to the Navy’s operations.
He said this year’s exercise is particularly relevant considering the Government’s desire to develop the nation’s blue economy. It is therefore imperative that the NN builds capacity to secure its maritime environment which also extends to the Gulf of Guinea.
On his part, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, noted that the Eastern Command was tasked with hosting this year’s inspection. He outlined the series of operations planned during the exercise, such as; Anti-Piracy Operations; Anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT) Operations; Fleet Maneuvers and Emergency Drills; Amphibious Raid Exercises
“These activities will showcase the operational readiness of the Navy and its ability to respond decisively to threats, ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain for economic prosperity,” he said.
The Naval Chief noted that the exercise would reinforce the Navy’s collective efforts to secure Nigeria’s waters, enabling safer shipping routes and enhanced economic activities in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
