The Nigerian Navy has announced plans to intensify its campaign against piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, smuggling and other maritime offences in Cross River State.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, disclosed this on Thursday at the conclusion of the maiden three-day Intra-Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise, known as Exercise Littoral Fury, in the state.
Okehie said the exercise was organised to expose naval personnel to practical combat situations and sharpen their ability to deal with security threats on the waterways.
He noted that the training would also promote better collaboration between the Navy and other security agencies involved in maritime operations.
“The littoral environment presents unique operational challenges that require specialised skills, appropriate tactics, effective communication and seamless coordination among security agencies,” he said.
He added that the Eastern Naval Command was increasingly relying on technology, innovation and intelligence to identify and disrupt maritime criminal activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, said the exercise demonstrated the Navy’s readiness, tactical competence and discipline.
Ibrahim explained that the training was part of efforts to build a modern naval force capable of protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters and wider maritime interests.
He said the participating gunboats, aircraft and other operational units used the exercise to assess their weapons, strengthen communication among services and practise joint operations along the coastline.
According to him, continuous realistic training was necessary to keep personnel prepared for maritime security operations.
“Rigorous training and realistic operational drills are not optional activities. They are the prize of maritime dominance,” he said.
Ibrahim described the choice of Dayspring Island as significant, recalling that the location had previously served as a major base for militants but was now occupied by the Navy.
He said the Navy’s presence would enhance security in the area and create a safer environment for commercial activities along the Calabar and Dayspring channels, including routes towards Cameroon.
“By the presence of the Navy here, it’s going to increase commerce; it will provide safety of lives and property,” Ibrahim stated.
He further said improved security could encourage more residents and businesses to operate in the area while increasing economic activity and government revenue.
The naval chief said personnel also practised with different weapons during the exercise, including 9mm pistols and automatic grenade launchers, as they simulated situations likely to occur during patrols.
He charged the participants to apply the skills acquired during the exercise to their regular assignments.
Navy Captain Mohammed Lawal also commended the Eastern Naval Command and the personnel involved in the exercise.
Lawal said the exercise showcased the participants’ operational preparedness, shooting accuracy and ability to project naval power across both land and water.
He praised sister security services, participating agencies, umpires, local organisers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force’s 305 Special Mobility Group for supporting the exercise.
He added that the participating officers and ratings displayed competence in weapon handling, physical fitness and tactical discipline throughout the training.