Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Nigerian Navy has flagged off Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026, a major multinational maritime operation aimed at strengthening security and tackling crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise was officially launched onboard NNS IKENNE, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in addressing growing maritime threats.
Supported by the United States Africa Command, the five-day exercise scheduled from 26- 30th April 2026, brings together over 30 countries to enhance coordination among navies and maritime agencies across West and Central Africa.
Participants will engage in a range of operations including counter-piracy drills, anti-trafficking missions, search and rescue, and vessel boarding exercises.
The operation also features deployment of Nigerian Navy ships, helicopters, and special forces units to test real-time response capabilities.
Key national agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigeria Immigration Service are actively participating, reinforcing inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Naval authorities say the exercise will improve intelligence sharing, strengthen operational readiness, and enhance the region’s ability to combat crimes such as piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
The exercise comes as Nigeria continues to record progress in maritime security, following its removal from the global piracy watchlist in 2022. It also coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, marking decades of commitment to safeguarding the nation’s waters.