By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Musa Yusuf Garba, participated in the flag-off ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025 onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Kada on May 9, 2025.
The event was attended by the Chief of the Naval Staff, other service commanders, and representatives of the US Embassy.
The acting Fleet Commander, Western Fleet, Navy Captain LD Deyin, stated that the exercise is a strategic imperative to tackle threats such as small arms and light weapons, smuggling, human trafficking, and other related maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the exercise would commence on May 9th and run until May 13th, 2025, serving as a platform for collaboration among the navies of the Gulf of Guinea countries, international partners, and all maritime stakeholders.
The exercise area includes 20 to 30 nautical miles south of Lagos fairway buoy, with six Nigerian Navy ships and one Spanish ship detailed to cover the sub-divided areas of the exercise. Scheduled activities include; communication checks, maneuvers, MAN AND CHEERSHIP, maritime interdiction against small arms, smuggling, and narcotics.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MG Oamen, noted that Exercise OBANGAME Express has over the years enhanced Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and contributed to regional stability and security within the West African sub-region. He concluded that the exercise would positively impact the readiness of the Nigerian Navy for action, harnessing the benefits of international collaboration and cooperation.
AIG Musa Yusuf Garba reiterated the Maritime Police Command’s commitment to strengthening its collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the maritime domain. The Command extends its profound appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the esteemed invitation to the opening ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025.
The Maritime Police Command recognizes and commends the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering dedication to enhancing regional maritime security and fostering multilateral cooperation. This exercise demonstrates the importance of collaboration in tackling maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
“ Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025 aims to enhance maritime security and cooperation among participating nations, including Nigeria, the United States, and 28 other countries. The exercise focuses on improving combined maritime law enforcement capacity, promoting national and regional security, and increasing interoperability between participating nations”
This was contained in a press release signed by ASP ADEBAYO RASHEED, Police Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command, FHQ Annex, Obalende, Lagos.
