Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on Sunday flagged off the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) Annual Sea Inspection with the deployment of 15 warships and 3 helicopters.
The Flag-Off ceremony, held aboard the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) KADA in Port Harcourt, marked the commencement of the 2024 exercise, codenamed Exercise DEIN ABAJI.
The exercise, which translates to “Calm Waters” in the Kalabari dialect, is a key demonstration of the Navy’s readiness to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain, vital to the country’s economic prosperity.
Enhancing Maritime Security for Economic Growth
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized the importance of this year’s exercise in the light of the Federal Government’s renewed focus on developing the blue economy. He highlighted that safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment, including the Gulf of Guinea, is critical for sustainable economic development.
“The Nigerian Navy is committed to securing our maritime environment, ensuring it remains conducive for legitimate activities that drive national economic prosperity,” the CNS stated.
Vice Admiral Ogalla noted that the Navy’s ongoing maritime security operations have significantly boosted legitimate shipping activities and increased Nigeria’s oil production. He revealed that several multinational oil companies have reported achieving a 100% terminal factor, a key indicator of operational efficiency and security.
The CNS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support of the Navy’s efforts to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
Participating Naval Assets
A total of 15 ships and 3 helicopters have been deployed for Exercise DEIN ABAJI, underscoring the Navy’s operational capacity. The warships involved include:
NNS KADA
DB ABUJA
NNS IBENO
NNS KANO
NNS SOKOTO
NNS OJI
NNS ANDONI
NNS CHALAWA
NNS BURUTU
NNS ZUR
NNS DORINA
NNS ABA
NNS BOMADI
NNS EKULU
NNS IKENNE
The exercise highlights the Navy’s preparedness to address emerging security challenges and ensure safe navigation within Nigeria’s waters and beyond. Exercise DEIN ABAJI will reinforce the NN’s role in securing the nation’s maritime assets, supporting economic activities, and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on Sunday flagged off the Nigerian Navy's (NN) Annual Sea Inspection with the deployment of 15 warships and 3 helicopters.){kind=link}