The Nigerian Navy has commenced Exercise Obangame Express 2026 with the deployment of 10 ships and two helicopters, reinforcing efforts to enhance maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.

The five day multinational exercise, which began on Saturday, is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, 30 April 2026. It features a wide range of coordinated operations aimed at addressing evolving maritime threats.

The exercise includes the deployment of maritime domain awareness assets and personnel from the Special Boat Service. Participating units will undertake structured scenarios such as countering illegal arms and drug trafficking, combating crude oil theft, addressing illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, conducting visit board search and seizure operations, as well as executing search and rescue missions and simulated hot pursuit exercises.

The opening ceremony took place onboard NNS Kada at Onne Jetty in Rivers State, with participation from officers of sister security agencies and international partners.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, represented by Rear Admiral Patrick Effah Effah, emphasised the strategic importance of the annual exercise in addressing maritime security challenges. He noted that the initiative is designed to strengthen personnel capacity to combat piracy, sea robbery and other transnational maritime crimes.

He further stressed that no single nation can secure its maritime domain independently, describing the exercise as a critical platform for fostering cooperation, building trust and improving real time operational coordination among participating countries.

According to him, Exercise Obangame Express has evolved into a key instrument for enhancing interoperability, strengthening regional collaboration and consolidating collective efforts to secure maritime environments against emerging threats.

The naval chief also highlighted improvements in safety within Nigeria’s waters, noting that sustained collaboration with regional and international partners has boosted investor confidence, increased shipping activity and supported the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.

He commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support to the armed forces and praised participating personnel for their professionalism.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, described the exercise as a major multinational maritime operation coordinated under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command. He stated that the initiative has become a vital platform for enhancing information sharing, interoperability and operational readiness across West and Central Africa.

Okehie underscored the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea as a global shipping corridor, noting the need for sustained maritime security capabilities and deeper collaboration among regional and international stakeholders.

He also acknowledged the support of Siminalayi Fubara for providing an enabling environment for naval operations in Rivers State.