The Nigerian Navy has announced that three helicopters, nine ships, and several multipurpose assault boats have been deployed for a special sea inspection aimed at demonstrating its preparedness to protect the nation’s economic assets across its territorial waters.
According to the Navy, the annual drill also helps to train officers and men for the effective security of Nigeria’s maritime interests.
The operation, carried out by the Eastern Naval Command and code-named Ex Din Mingi — meaning “safe waters” in the Ibani language — was flagged off at the Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE in Onne, Rivers State, by the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie.
Okehie explained that Ex Din Mingi reflects the Nigerian Navy’s four key pillars: Professionalism, Operational Readiness, Welfare, and Inter-Agency Collaboration.
The three-day exercise, which began on Tuesday with the theme “Protecting Critical Infrastructure Through Inter-Agency Collaboration,” features support and equipment from the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy.
“In all, nine ships of different classes, helicopters from both the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, the Epsilon EP55 UAV, as well as multipurpose assault boats from the Army and Navy will be involved,” Okehie said.
He highlighted a major component of the drill — an opposed boarding operation on a simulated hijacked LNG vessel. He noted that such vessels require special handling and highly skilled operations to neutralise threats without endangering the ship or its cargo.
Okehie added that officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency would also participate to help identify illegal substances found on suspected vessels, reinforcing inter-agency cooperation.
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He stated that the exercise helps test the Eastern Fleet’s operational readiness and demonstrates a joint, multi-dimensional approach using air, land, and sea assets to limit criminal activity in Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“Training is essential for effective military operations,” he said. “The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has made it clear that his mission is to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests.”
The Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral K.O. Oguntuga, urged all participating personnel to be professional, vigilant, and fully committed to safety. He noted that every operation at sea is an opportunity to sharpen skills and improve teamwork.
In 2024, the Navy deployed seven ships and two helicopters to enhance maritime search-and-rescue operations on Nigerian waters, working alongside patrol vessels from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
