Nigerian Navy, Others Flag Off Military Exercise in Gulf of Guineai

Chiemelie Ezeob

To safeguard the maritime domain of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) Waters and sustain gains recorded so far, the Nigerian Navy in partnership with 25 other global and regional navies and coastguards, yesterday flagged-off Exercise Grand African NEMO.
The annual multinational maritime security exercise is aimed at enhancing safety and security across the GoG and demonstrates a united front to secure West Africa’s vital waters for peace and economic growth.
Flagged off from Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Apapa, Lagos, the exercise, which would span till November 11, brought together navies and coastguards from 26 nations in a collaborative effort to combat maritime threats in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.
Under the auspices of the French Commander in Chief for the Atlantic, this year’s exercise will focus on strengthening coordination across five operational zones in the Gulf of Guinea while participating forces will conduct exercises in national and zonal phases, which will include live scenarios to enhance response capabilities.
For the exercise, the Nigerian Navy, deploying five ships, helicopters, and specialised units, will operate alongside ships from the United Kingdom and Spain, with the lead vessel being NNS KADA under the command of Captain Andrew Zidon.
At the flag off, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said the import of the exercise cannot be overstated as it would tackle maritime challenges such as piracy, sea robbery, and crude oil theft, which threaten regional stability and economic prosperity.
epresented by the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot, Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu, the CNS said:  “Ex Grand African Nemo is a critical initiative allowing African navies to develop collaborative strategies against transnational maritime threats.
“This exercise reaffirms our dedication to creating a secure maritime domain that supports a thriving blue economy. Exercise Grand African Nemo is a landmark opportunity for navies and coastguards of the Gulf of Guinea to address common challenges with an African-led approach.
“Our vision is to foster a safe and secure region that allows economic prosperity and development for all. This exercise highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring a maritime space where peace and commerce can flourish.”
He added that the Nigerian Navy would remain “relentless and resolute” in its dedication to regional security and combating threats to Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Ogalla, while commending the French authorities and other organisers of the exercise said: “The support we receive from our international partners in this exercise is invaluable. It represents a collective dedication to maritime security, and I assure you that these efforts will not be in vain.”
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MG Oamen, assured the public of the navy’s commitment to its mandate.

“We are dedicated to maintaining a maritime environment where legitimate businesses can flourish. This exercise will boost our collective skills in defending Nigeria’s maritime assets.”

The FOC said the exercise was  strategically designed to enhance operational coordination, strengthen collective maritime defences, and deepen international partnerships across five distinct operational zones in the Gulf of Guinea.

He said the Nigerian Navy has deployed five ships, two Special Boat Service detachments, helicopters, and five maritime operations centres to the exercise while training scenarios during the event will challenge participants to respond to real-time threats, including piracy and sea robbery, as well as fostering capabilities in the defence of maritime assets.

Oamen also expressed confidence that the extensive training and collaboration between regional and international navies would strengthen the Gulf of Guinea’s defences against maritime criminality.

“By combining our efforts with those of our partners, we are sending a strong message that the Gulf of Guinea is united against piracy, crude oil theft, and other criminal activities,” he added.