The Nigerian Navy has commenced its annual Sea Inspection exercise, code-named Exercise DEIN ABAJI, which translates to “Calm Waters” in Kalabari dialect.
The exercise, which was flagged off by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, on Sunday, December 8, 2024, involves the deployment of 15 warships and three helicopters.
The CNS Sea Inspection is an annual exercise designed to assess the readiness of the Nigerian Navy’s men o’ war and air assets for combat.
This year’s exercise is particularly significant, given the government’s desire to develop the nation’s blue economy.
According to Vice Admiral Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy’s maritime security operations have led to a significant improvement in legitimate shipping activities and a rise in Nigeria’s oil production.
He noted that several multinational oil companies have reported a 100% terminal factor, underscoring the effectiveness of the Navy’s efforts.
The CNS expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Navy in the fulfilment of its constitutional roles.
The 15 ships participating in Exercise DEIN ABAJI include NNS KADA; DB ABUJA; NNS IBENO; NNS KANO; NNS SOKOTO; NNS OJI; NNS ANDONI; NNS CHALAWA; NNS BURUTU and NNS ZUR.
Others are: NNS DORINA; NNS ABA; NNS BOMADI;NNS EKULU and NNS IKENNE.
The exercise is expected to showcase the Nigerian Navy’s ability to protect the maritime environment for national economic prosperity.