By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla on Sunday said the deployment of warships and helicopters is a significant step in the Navy’s efforts to curb threats and enhance crude oil production in the Niger Delta.
The CNS stated this while inspecting the deployments launched as part of the 2024 Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea in Port Harcourt.
Vice-Admiral Ogalla while inspecting the operation said under his leadership, the Navy is committed to improving national security and supporting maritime stakeholders through collaborative information sharing.
The Navy deployed 15 warships and three surveillance for the exercise.
The operation, codenamed Exercise DEIN ABAJI, or“Calm Waters”in the Kalabari language, aims to strengthen the Navy’s presence in the maritime environment and support economic growth.
Sea Inspection is an annual exercise where the NN deploys most of her men o’ war and air assets in readiness for combat.
Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, said the Eastern Naval Command was saddled with hosting this year’s Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Inspection, stating that other naval commands have been working tirelessly to ensure the security and safety of the maritime domain.
“In the next few days, we will conduct a series of evolutions, namely Anti-Piracy and Anti-COT Operations, Fleet Manoeuvres/Emergency Drills, as well as Amphibious Raid Exercises, amongst others.”
He expressed confidence that the outcome will be fruitful and enhance collective efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests
