AIG Musa joins Chief of Naval Staff, US consulate, others to flag off Exercise OBANGAME Express

…Assures of collaboration at safeguarding Maritime domain

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Musa Yusuf Garba, the Assistant Inspector General of Police(AIG) in charge of the Maritime Police Command has reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening its collaborative efforts with sister agencies aimed at safeguarding the maritime domain.

The AIG made the disclosure on Friday 9 May, 2025 when he joined the Chief of the Naval Staff, other service Commanders, and representative of the US Embassy at the flag off ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025 which took place onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Kada.

In a release signed by ASP Adebayo Rasheed Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the command, the maritime Police extends its profound appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the esteemed invitation to the opening ceremony of Exercise OBANGAME Express 2025. Stated that it recognizes and commends the Nigerian Navy for its unwavering dedication to enhancing regional maritime security and fostering multilateral cooperation.

Bearing the fact that Exercise OBANGAME Express is a multi-national naval exercise that aims to enhance cooperation and information sharing among member states of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly countering maritime crimes.

Earlier, the acting fleet commander, Western fleet, Navy Captain LD Deyin, had 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 stated further that the exercise would commence from 9th to 13th May, 2025 as it is expected to serve 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.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, who was 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 has contributed to regional stability and security within the West African sub-region. He concluded that the exercise will positively impact the readiness of the Nigerian Navy for action harnessing the benefit of international collaboration and cooperation.