The Nigerian Navy says has successfully secured the country’s territorial waters for local and international merchant ships to transport goods and services, News About Nigeria reports.
This information was disclosed by the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigeria Navy, Rear Adm. Zakariyya Muhammad, during an interaction with newsmen in Onne, Rivers State.
At the conclusion of a 4-day naval expedition codenamed “Exercise Nchekwa Oshimiri 2023,” the Chief stated that the waters are now safe for use without fear of criminal attacks.
The four-day exercise, themed ‘Chief of the Naval Staff 2023 Annual Sea Inspection,’ featured 13 warships, 88 patrol boats, two helicopters, and 4,000 personnel.
Muhammad mentioned that their presence at sea had instilled confidence in merchant ships and other maritime stakeholders to carry out legitimate activities.
He added that the 4-day exercise provided the opportunity to maintain a presence at sea and enhance maritime security, resulting in the interrogation of several ships and the arrest of one.
Muhammad noted that Nigeria’s maritime environment and economic zone are now secured, positively impacting the security of the Gulf of Guinea.
In addition, the Commanding Officer of Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Kada, Navy Capt. Tony Archibong, described the exercise as a successful activity. He emphasized that it was part of swift measures taken to end sea robbery, oil theft, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as sea piracy in Nigeria’s waters.
According to him, the exercise was utilized to improve the operational capability of the Navy’s fleets and simulate real-time operational scenarios.
He added that the exercise will benefit both Nigerians and other maritime stakeholders using the waters.
The Navy also conducted activities such as fleet manoeuvring, gun exercises, anti-bunkering operations, and replenishment (refuelling of a warship from another), among others.
