The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has flagged off the 2025 Chief of the Naval Staff Sea Inspection (CASI) codenamed Exercise ERU OBODO, aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA at the Naval Base, Apapa, Lagos.
The exercise marks the beginning of a major operational readiness assessment designed to evaluate fleet capability, personnel proficiency, and the Navy’s overall preparedness to respond to emerging maritime security threats at both national and regional levels.
Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, noting that Exercise ERU OBODO aims to test the efficiency of participating platforms, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and improve rapid response to security challenges at sea.
He stressed that the operation reflects the Navy’s dedication to maintaining a well-trained, well-equipped, and mission-ready force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime interests.
Chief of Operations, Naval Headquarters, and Exercise Director, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, stated that the operation will feature a wide range of drills, including fleet manoeuvres, gunnery exercises, maritime interdiction, communication drills, and search-and-rescue missions.
According to him, the inspection is a crucial tool for measuring operational standards and identifying performance gaps.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, said the exercise aligns with the CNS Training Directive and supports broader national security objectives.
He assured that the Western Naval Command remains committed to executing assigned duties with precision, professionalism, and operational excellence.
A total of 16 ships, a Nigerian Navy helicopter, Falcon Eye Lagos, RMAC Lagos, and NNS Beecroft are participating in the operation.
CASI 2025 is expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian Navy’s operational posture and reinforce its contribution to national security and maritime governance.
The exercise name, “ERU OBODO,” a Yoruba expression meaning the water does not fear, symbolizes that criminals should be fearful of operating within Nigerian waters.
Reporting by Mary Fatile