Navy begins tactical exercise to sharpen skills, tackle piracy

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The Nigerian Navy has commenced its maiden intra-command maritime tactical live-firing exercise, code-named Exercise Littoral Fury, in Cross River State as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity to combat piracy, sea robbery, illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft.

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The exercise, organised by the Eastern Naval Command, is designed to enhance the combat readiness and proficiency of naval personnel in weapon handling and operations within creeks, waterways and the littoral environment.

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The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, said on Wednesday that marksmanship was a fundamental combat skill that naval personnel must continuously develop.

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He said, “This exercise is to enhance the Navy’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in fighting at sea, on land and through joint operations with other security agencies. Rigorous training and realistic operational drills are not just operational activities. What we will be witnessing today is geared towards ensuring that we gain the basic things that have to do with firing and hitting our target.”

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He urged participants to adhere strictly to safety regulations and range orders, stressing that the exercise was not merely about winning points but about honing skills required to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and installations.

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Effah also commended the Cross River State Government for its support to the Nigerian Navy, particularly its provision of logistics for the establishment of a naval outpost at Dayspring Island.

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Speaking at the event, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, said the exercise was aimed at exposing personnel to realistic operational situations and improving their ability to respond rapidly to maritime security threats.

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He said the exercise would also promote joint and coordinated responses among security agencies to threats including piracy, sea robbery, illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, smuggling and other forms of maritime criminality.

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Okehie added that the choice of Ikang and the surrounding littoral environment was deliberate because of the unique operational challenges posed by the waterways.

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He said, “The littoral environment presents unique operational challenges that require specialised skills, appropriate tactics, effective communication and seamless coordination among security agencies.”

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The FOC added that the command had continued to leverage technology, innovation and intelligence-driven operations to improve its ability to detect and respond to maritime crimes.

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Representing the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the ceremony, the State Security Adviser for the Southern Senatorial District, Calabar, Navy Commander Patrick Bassey Odiong (retd.), said the state government welcomed the initiative, noting that the security of the state’s waterways was critical to economic development.

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Odiong said the state’s extensive coastline and sensitive waterways required sustained security to protect economic activities, fishing communities, commercial vessels and maritime investments.

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He said the government would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to strengthen security along the state’s waterways.

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He also commended the Eastern Naval Command for its reported successes in the arrest of suspected maritime criminals and the rescue of passengers along the Calabar-Oron waterways.

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