The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu-Gambo, has flagged off 2022 Operation Obangame Express.
The exercise is aimed at improving security between Gulf of Guinea navies and allied friends.
Rear Admiral, Zubairu-Gambo said the exercise is designed to “improve regional collaboration through joint operations, intelligence sharing and harmonized legal framework to enhance collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea nations against maritime crime”.
Rear Admiral Zubairu-Gambo in his address during the flag-off at Nigerian Navy Thunder Jetty, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday disclosed that the Navy will deploy ten ships, two helicopters as well as element of special boat service for this year’s exercise.
The Chief of Naval Staff who commended United States Government through the US Africa Command and other International partners for facilitating and sustaining the exercise, also expressed hope that this year’s exercise would “achieve the target of ensuring security at several waterways amongst the Gulf of Guinea nations”.
Also in his address, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral, Idi Abbas assured that the exercise will keep “maritime and economy business alive and will provide the impetus towards enhancing the overall maritime safety”.
24 friendly forces will participate in this year’s exercise.
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