Nigerian Navy Launches Multinational Maritime Security Exercise to Combat Arms Smuggling and Drug Trafficking
The Nigerian Navy (NN) has taken a significant step in the fight against arms smuggling and drug trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea with the launch of this year’s multinational maritime security exercise, Obangame Express.
The operation, which was officially flagged off at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT jetty in Lagos, brings together seven warships – six from Nigeria and one from Spain – as well as two helicopters, maritime domain awareness platforms, and detachments of the Navy’s Special Boat Services (SBS).
The exercise, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Spanish Navy and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), aims to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance information-sharing, and improve the tactical readiness of participating navies to counter maritime threats such as piracy, sea robbery, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.
First introduced in 2010, Exercise Obangame Express has been a crucial component of the efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The exercise has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of regional navies to tackle the complex and evolving threats in the maritime domain.
Speaking at the ceremony aboard NNS KADA, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, highlighted the significance of the operation in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security and regional stability. “This exercise is a major boost, especially as we work toward the development of the Blue Economy under the current administration,” Ogalla said.
The 2025 edition of Obangame Express will focus primarily on curbing the smuggling of small arms and narcotics, a major concern for regional security.
To ensure effective inter-agency collaboration, officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, Police, and other relevant agencies are participating in the exercise to ensure synergy during operations.
The launch of Obangame Express 2025 demonstrates the commitment of the Nigerian Navy and its international partners to securing the Gulf of Guinea and promoting regional stability.
The exercise is expected to improve the capabilities of participating navies to detect and respond to maritime threats, enhance coordination and cooperation among regional navies, and promote a culture of maritime security in the region.
The multinational maritime security exercise is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Blue Economy initiative, which seeks to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
With the participation of international partners and other relevant agencies, Obangame Express 2025 is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against arms smuggling and drug trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.