The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, commenced Exercise DIN MINGI, a large-scale maritime operation aimed at enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure through strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
The exercise was formally flagged off by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Donald Okehie, during a ceremony held onboard Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE. DIN MINGI, which means “Safe Waters” in the Ibani dialect, is designed to assess the operational readiness of the Eastern Fleet and deepen synergy among maritime security stakeholders.
The multi-dimensional exercise involves the deployment of nine Nigerian Navy ships, helicopters from both the Navy and Nigerian Air Force, Epsilon EP55 unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as multipurpose assault boats from the Nigerian Army and Navy.
Rear Admiral Okehie said the operation would test the fleet’s logistical endurance, tactical proficiency, and command-and-control structures across the Command’s Area of Responsibility. He noted that participating units will execute drills including anti-piracy and anti-hijacking operations, anti-drug trafficking missions, anti-oil theft activities, illegal bunkering interdictions, fleet manoeuvres, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises.
He expressed confidence that the exercise would boost operational effectiveness, enhance inter-agency coordination, and reinforce the collective resolve to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment—critical to national economic stability.
Also speaking, the Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, urged personnel to maintain professionalism, vigilance, and strict adherence to safety protocols. He emphasised that each operation at sea offers an opportunity to refine skills and strengthen teamwork.
The event was attended by senior military officers and representatives of security and maritime agencies, including the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General E.E. Emekah; FOC NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Ebiobowei Abraham Zipele; Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Group Captain A.A. Okpaleye; and officials from the Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC, NDLEA, NLNG, among others.
