The Nigerian Navy has formally commenced Exercise Obangame Express 2026 (OE 26), a multinational maritime operation aimed at strengthening regional security and combating transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise was flagged off on Sunday aboard NNS Ikenne by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was represented by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah. The initiative brought together more than 30 participating countries, with support from the United States Africa Command, to enhance cooperation and operational coordination among maritime forces in West and Central Africa.
Designed to improve maritime domain awareness and interoperability, the five-day exercise will run from April 26 to 30, 2026. It features the deployment of nine Nigerian Navy ships, two helicopters, and Special Boat Service (SBS) personnel, alongside other maritime assets. Key national agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), are also participating, underscoring a whole-of-government approach to maritime security.
Speaking at the event, the naval chief described the exercise as a critical platform for enhancing information sharing, building trust among regional partners, and improving collective response to maritime threats. He noted that the operation includes scenario-based drills such as counter-piracy missions, anti-trafficking operations, illegal fishing interdictions, search and rescue efforts, and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures.
Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, referencing the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy watch list in 2022. He attributed the milestone to sustained collaboration with regional and international partners, as well as initiatives like Obangame Express.
He further emphasized the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea to global trade and energy security, stressing the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among littoral states.
The naval chief also noted that the 2026 edition of the exercise coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and contributing to regional stability.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces and commended participating personnel and agencies for their professionalism and dedication throughout the exercise.
