The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 warships, two helicopters, and special forces to tackle oil theft, sea robbery, and piracy in its territorial waters. The three-day exercise, “Exercise Sea Guard 2024,” aims to secure the nation’s maritime environment and deny criminals the freedom to operate.
Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, flagged off the exercise in Onne, Rivers State, on Thursday. He emphasized the persistence of maritime threats despite concerted efforts to combat them.
Exercise Objectives:
1. Assess operational readiness of assigned ships
2. Conduct anti-piracy and anti-crude oil theft operations
3. Execute emergency drills and fleet maneuvers
4. Secure Nigeria’s maritime environment
Participating Assets:
1. 10 elite Nigerian Navy warships
2. 2 helicopters
3. Maritime Domain Awareness assets
4. Naval special forces from Central Naval Command and Eastern Naval Command
Akinwande expressed confidence that the exercise would contribute to national prosperity by safeguarding the country’s maritime space, which is critical for economic activities.
The Nigerian Navy remains committed to eliminating maritime threats and ensuring the nation’s maritime space remains a secure avenue for economic growth.
Exercise Duration:
September 26-28, 2024
Location:
Nigeria’s territorial waters under Central Naval Command and Eastern Naval Command coverage areas.
Vanguard.
