To participate in an international naval mission focused on fighting piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, eight advanced warships from the Nigerian Navy have set sail from the country’s waters to the region. Vice Adm. Emmanual Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff in Nigeria, made this announcement during the launch of exercise ‘Obangame Express 2024’ in Onne, Rivers. Speaking through the navy’s Chief of Training and Operations, Olusegun Ferreira, during the week-long exercise, Ogalla revealed that the navy would deploy a combination of eight warships, two helicopters, and the elite naval Special Boat Service special forces.
The United States African Command (US Africom) sponsors the Obangame Express, a gathering of naval fleets from the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) along with European, Spanish, and North American partners to ensure regional security. The event serves as a forum for collaborative efforts among allies to address transnational threats and challenges in Africa, fostering African-led solutions for enhancing Security in the region. He mentioned that the maritime security operations would include various activities such as anti-crude oil, anti-sea piracy, anti-sea robbery, anti-fishing, as well as boarding and aerial operations.
Significant success has been recorded in the shared operation.
Ogalla highlighted the importance of collaborating with GoG nations to protect the maritime environment in order to promote economic growth. He described the recent effective cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the Cameroonian Navy, resulting in the capture of MV Jasmine on suspicion of stealing crude oil. Similarly, the French navy shared intelligence that led to the apprehension of another rogue ship, the MT Big Majesty, in the Gulf of Guinea just two months prior.
Recently, the Nigerian navy seized MV Blu Shark on behalf of the Gabonese Government, showcasing their dedication to working together across the region. These achievements align with the goals of exercise Obangame Express, which are well-established in their maritime area, he stated. The head of the navy commented that the drill aligns with the upcoming introduction of a collaborative maritime task force by the African Union to improve regional collaboration in fighting maritime offences in the Gulf of Guinea.
Collaboration will enhance a sense of duty and responsibility.
He stated that the 14th exercise was being organised by Gabon, with naval operations happening simultaneously in countries throughout the Gulf of Guinea. Also, the departure for the mission in the Gulf of Guinea marked a significant moment not only for the Nigerian Navy but for the entire region. As the vessels set sail, a sense of duty and responsibility weighed heavily on the crew members, knowing that they were embarking on a mission vital to ensuring maritime security in the area.
The collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other Gulf of Guinea nations, as highlighted in the recent successful operations against rogue ships, underscores the importance of working together to tackle maritime crimes effectively. By sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, naval forces in the region can enhance their capabilities and maximise their impact in safeguarding the waters. The joint efforts in intercepting vessels involved in illicit activities, such as crude Oil Theft and piracy, demonstrate the power of cooperation in addressing security threats at sea.
Related Article: Navy gets approval to repair NNS Aradu fleet
This is also essential for the economic prosperity of the countries in the region. The Gulf of Guinea is a critical maritime zone with significant economic activities, including oil production, fishing, and trade. Piracy, maritime crimes, and illegal activities at sea pose a threat to the stability and growth of these vital sectors, affecting the economies of the countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea. By working together to combat these challenges, naval forces can create a secure environment.