On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, officially flagged off the Nigerian Navy's (NN) Annual Sea Inspection, marking a significant demonstration of naval capability. The Flag-Off ceremony, held onboard the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) KADA in Port Harcourt, featured the deployment of 15 warships and three helicopters as part of Exercise DEIN ABAJI.
Exercise DEIN ABAJI, which translates to “Calm Waters” in the Kalabari dialect, is an annual showcase of the Navy’s operational readiness to secure Nigeria's maritime environment. The exercise highlights the NN's ability to safeguard vital waterways, ensure economic stability, and combat maritime threats such as piracy and oil theft.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla underscored the importance of this year's exercise, especially in light of the Federal Government’s efforts to develop the blue economy. “This exercise is critical to enhancing the Navy’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s maritime assets and contribute to national economic growth,” the CNS stated. He also emphasized the regional significance of securing the Gulf of Guinea, a key hub for international trade.
The CNS lauded the Navy’s achievements in improving maritime security, which has led to increased legitimate shipping activities and higher oil production. “Several multinational oil companies now report 100 percent terminal factors due to our efforts, reflecting a remarkable improvement in security operations,” he noted.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support of the Nigerian Navy. He attributed the Navy's ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate to the President's commitment to enhancing national security.
The 15 ships deployed for the exercise include:
1. NNS KADA
2. DB ABUJA
3. NNS IBENO
4. NNS KANO
5. NNS SOKOTO
6. NNS OJI
7. NNS ANDONI
8. NNS CHALAWA
9. NNS BURUTU
10. NNS ZUR
11. NNS DORINA
12. NNS ABA
13. NNS BOMADI
14. NNS EKULU
15. NNS IKENNE
Supported by three helicopters, these vessels will conduct coordinated drills to test their operational efficiency and readiness for combat.
As Exercise DEIN ABAJI unfolds, the Nigerian Navy reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a secure maritime environment, crucial for the prosperity of Nigeria and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
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