Navy Flags-Off ‘Exercise Obangame Express 2024’

The Nigerian Navy has flagged-off ‘Exercise Obangame Express 2024”, an exercise initiated by the United States in conjunction with other navies for global maritime security for the past 14 years.

At the exercise at Onne, Rivers State, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said ‘Exercise Obangame Express’ presents an opportunity for participating countries to work together to develop African-led solutions to transnational threats and challenges with the strategic aim of promoting regional security.

Ogalla, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusegun Fereirra, restated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to regional collaboration, noting the recent feats of the agency in maritime crime, which included the arrest of MB Jasmine, said to be involved in crude oil theft, the support by the French Navy in providing information about MT Big Majesty in the Gulf of Guinea about two months ago and the recent arrest of MV Blu Shark, on behalf of the Gabonese Government, a few days ago.

He said: “As we are all aware, exercise Obangame Express is designed to exercise fleets of the Gulf of Guinea region with participation from strategic international partners who identify with the common vision of a safe and secure region for shared prosperity and development. The exercise also presents an opportunity to work together to develop African-led solutions to transnational threats and challenges with the strategic aim of promoting regional security.