The Nigerian Navy has launched this year’s edition of Exercise OMI AILEWU aboard NNS KADA, targeting major security threats along Nigeria’s Western maritime corridor.
Flagging off the operation, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, said the exercise is designed to confront critical challenges such as oil theft, illegal fishing, arms smuggling, human and drug trafficking, and attacks on national infrastructure.
Rear Admiral Mustapha stressed that the maritime domain remains vital to Nigeria’s economic stability, national security, and the growth of the emerging Blue Economy, noting that sustained training is the “best welfare for personnel.”
He reaffirmed the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive that the Navy must continuously train and operate seamlessly to secure the nation’s waters.
He urged participating personnel to maintain professionalism, safety, and teamwork, adding that lessons learned during the exercise will shape future operations.The Officer in Tactical Command, Captain Levi Deyin, described OMI AILEWU not as a routine drill but a strategic, intelligence-driven operation aimed at maintaining a robust naval presence that disrupts criminal activities within the Western Naval Command’s area of responsibility.
This year’s exercise features four naval ships — NNS IKOGOSI, NNS GURARA, NNS OLOIBIRI, and NNS MAMBILA — alongside two helicopters, two tactical drones, and the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service.
The drill will test fleet manoeuvres, communication systems, maritime interdiction procedures, and overall coordination at sea.
Reporting by Mary Fatile