The Nigerian Navy has deployed ten elite warships to participate in a special exercise aimed at combating oil theft and other maritime crimes in the country’s territorial waters. Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, announced the launch of Exercise ‘Sea Guard 2024’ on Thursday in Onne, Rivers State.
Akinwande explained that the Federal Government has been addressing issues such as oil theft, sea robbery, and illegal fishing, noting significant successes but acknowledging that maritime threats persist and continue to undermine the nation’s economy.
He stated, “The consequences of this prevailing insecurity prompted the Central Naval Command (CNC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC) to initiate a joint, coordinated, and decisive action.”
Scheduled from September 26 to 28, 2024, the exercise aims to secure the maritime environment through a sustained naval presence. It will involve two helicopters, Maritime Domain Awareness assets, and special forces from both commands.
Akinwande noted, “The Nigerian Navy is doing everything within its mandate to eliminate all forms of threats within Nigeria’s maritime space.”
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
