Navy engages in sea exercise in readiness for maritime security

Tayo Oladipupo

In furtherance of its efforts to rid the maritime domain of criminalities, the Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday ended its Fourth Quarter Sea Exercise, ‘Anum Buneng’ in Lagos.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral. Habila Obed Ngalabak said the exercise was to assess the operational readiness of ships within the command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

According to him, it was also aimed at addressing the nation’s current and impending maritime security challenges.

He said, “Recently, the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other maritime law enforcement agencies collectively developed a document titled “Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment’’.

“To further enhance the operationalisation of this document, some of the agencies participated in the sea exercise.

“We also continue to look forward to areas of further cooperation and collaboration,” he stated.

He said that the maritime space provided significant opportunities which were also the lifeblood of the country’s economy.

His words, “It is pertinent to remind us that the prosperity and security of maritime nations are inextricably linked to the seas.

“In Nigeria, the maritime space provides significant economic opportunities. This is because it is the lifeblood of our economy, conveying over 85 per cent of the total volume of international trade.

“Anum Buneng’’ which means “Calm Waters” in Tangale language aptly captures the current operational posture of the Navy, which is to rid our nation’s waters of all forms of criminality.

“Thus, to render it safe, calm and conducive for commerce and trade to thrive,” he said.

He gave the assurance that the WNC would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that the water was safe and conducive for the conduct of legitimate maritime activities within its AOR.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eight vessels and two helicopters were deployed for the exercise.

The exercise onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Unity started with search and rescue simulation exercise with the Special Boat Service (SBS) team.

Part of the simulation exercise performed was tracket, which is tracking and detecting illegal vessels or pirates at nights.

There was also gunnery exercise by the ships and the helicopters while there was fleet maneuvering by the ships involved in the exercise.

The exercise also involved Maritime Combat Operations, Maritime Security Operations and Maritime Assistance Operations.

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