The Nigerian Navy has deployed three helicopters, nine ships and several multipurpose assault boats for a special sea inspection aimed at demonstrating its combat readiness in safeguarding the nation’s economic assets across its territorial waters.
According to the Navy, the annual exercise is designed to further equip its officers and men for the effective protection of Nigeria’s maritime interests.
The operation, conducted by the Eastern Naval Command and code-named ‘Ex Din Mingi’ — meaning “safe waters” in the Ibani language of Rivers State, was formally launched by the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, at the Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE in Onne, Rivers State.
Rear Admiral Okehie explained that ‘Ex Din Mingi’ embodies the Nigerian Navy’s four core pillars: Professionalism, Operational Readiness, Welfare and Inter-Agency Collaboration.
The three-day operation, which commenced on Tuesday with the theme ‘Protecting Critical Infrastructure Through Inter-Agency Collaboration’, also features an array of multipurpose assault platforms drawn from the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy.
Detailing the assets involved, Okehie said, “In all, nine ships of different classes, helicopters both from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, Epsilon EP55 UAV, as well as multipurpose assault boats from the NA and NN will be deployed for the Exercise.”
He added that an important component of the exercise is the simulated boarding of a hijacked LNG vessel, noting its sensitivity and the specialised skills required to neutralise threats safely.
“Of particular note is the opposed boarding of a purportedly hijacked LNG vessel, an evolution that takes cognisance of the unique nature of vessels conveying Liquefied Natural Gas and specialised skills required to neutralise threats without compromising vessel safety and integrity.”
On inter-agency cooperation, he stated, “In addition, some officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will embark to assist in identifying psychoactive substances on a suspected ship as part of efforts to foster collaboration.”
Okehie further stressed the essence of the drill, saying, “The exercise is to assess operational readiness of Eastern fleet, display a multi-agency and multi-dimensional approach by deploying platforms, including air assets, to deny criminal elements freedom of action.”
Speaking on previous editions, he explained that they not only improved the force’s ability to tackle real maritime threats but also strengthened inter-agency synergy.
“In the Armed Forces, we need retraining to perform our daily operations. So the exercise is part of our training objectives to ensure that the men are combat-ready to take on their duties.”
He restated the Chief of Naval Staff’s mission, quoting, “The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has clearly declared his mission as to deploy a highly motivated and professional Naval Force, capable of securing Nigerian Maritime interests, and for the purpose of effective and diligent operations, to maintain national stability.”
Also speaking, the Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral K.O. Oguntuga, urged all personnel to remain alert and uphold the highest standards during the operation.
Oguntuga reminded them that every outing at sea presents a chance to improve coordination and sharpen operational skills.
The PUNCH had reported in 2024 that the Navy deployed seven ships and two helicopters for maritime search and rescue operations, alongside patrol vessels from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
