The Nigerian Navy announced the deployment of six warships and two helicopters for Exercise Obangame Express 2025, a multinational maritime security operation in the Gulf of Guinea, scheduled for May 10-17.
The exercise, led by the U.S. Africa Command and involving 32 countries, aims to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking, which cost the region $2.3 billion annually. Nigeria, hosting the exercise’s main operations center in Lagos, will deploy patrol vessels, including NNS Thunder and NNS Prosperity, alongside AW109 helicopters, to conduct joint patrols, search-and-rescue drills, and anti-piracy operations across 2,000 nautical miles.
The Gulf of Guinea, handling 12% of global oil shipments, reported 45 piracy incidents in 2024, down 20% from 2023, partly due to Obangame’s impact since 2010. Nigeria’s contribution, coordinated by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, includes 1,200 personnel and real-time surveillance via the Falcon Eye system, covering 80% of its coastline. The exercise will simulate vessel boardings and drone interdictions, addressing 15% of regional crimes linked to unmanned systems. Nigeria’s navy, with 18,000 personnel, aims to showcase its $500 million modernization, including two Damen OPVs acquired in 2024.
Participating nations, including Ghana, Cameroon, and France, will contribute 20 vessels and 5,000 troops, testing interoperability under ECOWAS protocols. Nigeria’s role is critical, as it accounts for 60% of Gulf of Guinea trade, yet faces 30% of regional piracy attacks. Challenges include fuel smuggling, costing Nigeria $3 billion yearly, and 40% equipment downtime due to maintenance delays. The exercise, observed by 10 international organizations, underscores Nigeria’s leadership in maritime security, with plans to train 500 regional sailors by 2026 to sustain gains.