Nigerian Navy Launches Obangame Express 2026 to Boost Gulf of Guinea Security
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Navy has flagged off Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a major multinational maritime operation aimed at strengthening security and cooperation across the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise, which commenced on Sunday, April 26, was formally declared open aboard NNS Ikenne by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah.
Obangame Express 2026 is being conducted with the support of the United States Africa Command and brings together more than 30 participating countries. The exercise is designed to enhance coordination among regional navies and maritime security agencies while tackling transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and human trafficking.
Scheduled to run from April 26 to 30, the five-day exercise features the deployment of nine Nigerian Navy ships, two helicopters, maritime surveillance assets, and Special Boat Service personnel. It also involves key national agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, highlighting a strong inter-agency collaboration framework.
Speaking at the event, the Naval Chief described the exercise as a vital platform for improving information sharing, building trust among partner nations, and enhancing collective maritime awareness. He noted that the drills are structured to test operational readiness through realistic scenarios, including counter-piracy operations, anti-trafficking missions, search and rescue, and visit, board, search, and seizure procedures.
Vice Admiral Abbas also highlighted Nigeria’s improved maritime security record, recalling the country’s removal from the International Maritime Bureau’s list of piracy-prone nations in 2022. He attributed the achievement to sustained partnerships and strategic initiatives such as the Obangame Express exercise.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea, describing the region as critical to global trade, energy supply, and economic stability.
The Naval Chief further noted that this year’s exercise coincides with the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, marking decades of commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and supporting regional peace.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support to the Armed Forces and commended participating personnel and agencies for their dedication and professionalism.
