US, Nigerian Navies End ‘Exercise Obangame Express 2026’

Nigerian Navy at the weekend concluded the “Exercise Obangame Express 2026”, which was flagged off on April 26, 2026, at the Navy Jetty, Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, Rivers State.

The exercise, which was launched in collaboration with the United States (US) Africa Command and over 30 international partners, aimed at combating piracy, illegal fishing and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

With 10 ships, two helicopters and special forces that were deployed to enhance regional interoperability and security, “Exercise Obangame Express” 2026 featured visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), search and rescue (SAR) operations as well as anti-piracy, and simulated hot pursuit operations.

At the end of the exercise, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibi Abbas,  said the exercise, which was initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy in collaboration with navies of the Gulf of Guinea nations, has evolved into a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations within the Gulf of Guinea.

Abbas stated that “Exercise Obangame Express” has remained a critical instrument for fostering unity of effort, enhancing interoperability, and consolidating “our shared resolve to secure our maritime domain against emerging and evolving threats.”

“This annual exercise has, over the years, evolved into a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations within the Gulf of Guinea. It remains a critical instrument for fostering unity of effort, enhancing interoperability, and consolidating our shared resolve to secure our maritime domain against emerging and evolving threats.

“Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS, initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy in collaboration with navies of the Gulf of Guinea nations, has grown remarkably in scope, participation and strategic relevance.

“The core objectives of the exercise are clear and enduring. It includes strengthening regional maritime security cooperation, enhance information sharing and maritime domain awareness, improve tactical and operational readiness.

“It also includes building the capacity of participating navies to effectively counter both national and transnational maritime crimes, including piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking and other illicit activities at sea.”