Announced by the Nigeria Navy, a joint naval exercise coordinated by the United States Africa Command (US Africom) is set to address the escalating incidents of sea piracy in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
Rear Adm. Samsom Bura, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, disclosed this development at a press briefing aboard the naval warship, NNS Kada, located in Onne, Rivers state.
While sea piracy has been eradicated within Nigeria’s waters, the issue persists in neighboring GoG countries, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The upcoming operation named ‘Obangame Express 2024’ aims at bolstering security in the GoG region and promoting cooperation among the navies of regional and allied nations.
Initiated by US Africom under the umbrella of the US Naval Forces Africa, Exercise Obangame Express is an annual multinational maritime drill in the GoG.
Scheduled to kick off on May 10, the exercise will witness the involvement of Nigeria and multiple countries from Africa, Europe, and North America simultaneously, hosted by the Republic of Gabon.
It is designed to foster regional collaboration, enhance maritime security, and improve the capabilities of the participating naval forces.
During the drill taking place from May 10 to 17, the Nigerian Navy will engage in various activities within the nation’s territorial waters and the GoG.
These operations will include anti-piracy drills, gunnery exercises, visit board and search and seizure operations, as well as communication and information sharing, among others.
Furthermore, both international and local partners, such as a Spanish warship, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, NIMASA, media personnel, will participate in the exercise.
To ensure the success of the exercise, the Nigeria Navy plans to deploy ships, aircraft, Special Boat Service teams, and maritime domain awareness facilities.