Abuja, Nigeria: The Nigerian Navy has formally commenced Exercise Obangame Express 2025, a multinational maritime security operation aimed at tackling emerging threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
At the flag-off event, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Emmanuel Ogalla—represented by Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command—underscored the strategic value of the annual exercise. Since its inception in 2010, the initiative has bolstered Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and contributed significantly to regional stability.
Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted that the 2025 edition will further strengthen the Navy’s operational capacity to combat both domestic and transnational maritime crimes in West Africa, aligning with broader strategic defense objectives.
He also noted the increasing global participation in the exercise, which now includes naval contingents from Africa, Europe, and the Americas—reflecting growing international commitment to security in the Gulf of Guinea.
LT Benjamin Alan, Maritime Programs Officer representing the U.S. Naval Attaché and Defense Attaché at the American Consulate, commended the scale of this year’s operation. Now in its 14th edition, the exercise involves over 25 nations and focuses on enhancing interoperability and deepening partnerships among regional and global stakeholders.
Beyond joint patrols, LT Alan emphasized the exercise’s broader goals of fostering enduring partnerships, enhancing maritime cooperation, and strengthening collective regional security.
Captain Levi Dashe Deyin, Acting Fleet Commander and Officer in Tactical Command of the exercise, described the operation as both strategic and essential. He noted its focus on curbing illicit maritime activities, including arms smuggling, human trafficking, drug trade, and other transnational crimes.
According to Captain Deyin, the exercise also serves as a vital platform for regional navies and international partners to collaborate, share intelligence, and support maritime governance—ultimately advancing economic development through improved maritime security.
Exercise Obangame Express, originally launched in 2010 by the U.S. Navy in coordination with Gulf of Guinea nations, remains a key pillar of multinational maritime collaboration.
For the 2025 iteration, the Nigerian Navy has deployed six ships, two helicopters, maritime surveillance assets, and elite personnel from its Special Boat Service. Spain has also contributed the warship ESPS Relámpago, reflecting the exercise’s broad international scope and strategic significance.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 10, 2025
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