The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday carried out an intensive harbour defence simulation exercise in Calabar, reinforcing operational readiness against potential maritime threats.
The exercise, codenamed “Exercise Edikpeme-Muo” — meaning “safe waters” in Efik and Ibibio languages — was launched at the jetty of NNS VICTORY by the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Chidozie Okehie. He was represented at the event by Chief Staff Officer Steven Ibrahim.
Addressing officers and ratings, the naval leadership explained that the drill was designed to rehearse harbour defence procedures and emergency responses involving ships docked alongside NNS Victory and other support units within the command. The aim was to test alertness, coordination and inter-unit synergy in the face of simulated attacks or sudden emergencies.
According to the command, the overarching objective is to ensure personnel can respond swiftly and effectively to any threat targeting naval ships or shore facilities. The navy linked the importance of such regular drills to its recent operational successes, including the rescue of 22 crew members aboard MV Chimba Express by NNS OSE, attributing that achievement to sustained training and preparedness.
Throughout the exercise, officers enacted a range of realistic emergency scenarios. These included defence and action station drills, the detection and repelling of simulated underwater saboteurs, and man overboard responses. Medical evacuation procedures, diving operations, hull plugging and firefighting drills were also carried out in a tightly coordinated sequence.
Each scenario was executed to assess response time, communication flow, and the effectiveness of command and control structures under pressure. The simulation drew participation from ships berthed at Victory Jetty, a detachment of the Special Boat Service, the NNS Victory Gunboat Squadron and personnel from the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, underscoring a whole-command approach to maritime security.