The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 elite warships as part of a special sea exercise aimed at curbing oil theft and other maritime crimes within the nation’s territorial waters.
Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, announced the launch of Exercise Sea Guard 2024 on Thursday in Onne, Rivers State.
Akinwande highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, sea robbery, piracy, and illegal foreign fishing, noting that while significant progress had been made, persistent threats continued to undermine economic activities.
“The Central Naval Command (CNC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC) have jointly initiated this coordinated operation to deny criminals and economic saboteurs freedom of action in our maritime environment,” Akinwande stated.
The exercise, spanning from September 26 to 28, will involve 10 warships, two helicopters, Maritime Domain Awareness assets, and naval special forces from the CNC and ENC.
The operation aims to assess the readiness of naval assets for anti-piracy and anti-crude oil theft missions, emergency drills, and fleet manoeuvres.
Akinwande expressed confidence that the operation would contribute to the country’s economic recovery, emphasising the importance of Nigeria’s maritime space and its resources to the nation’s prosperity.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to eliminating all threats within our maritime domain,” he added.
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