The Nigerian Navy has displayed its combat strength during a major maritime exercise in Cross River State.
The three-day operation, known as Exercise Littoral Fury, focused on improving the Navy’s response to threats.
The exercise also sent a strong warning to criminals operating across Nigeria’s coastal waterways.
Naval personnel used gunboats, aircraft and different weapons during the live-firing drills.
The exercise was designed to prepare officers for real security situations on rivers and other coastal areas.
Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim represented the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, during the exercise.
Ibrahim stressed that regular and realistic training remains vital to maintaining control of Nigeria’s maritime space.
“Rigorous training and realistic operational drills are not optional activities. They are the prize of maritime dominance,” Ibrahim said.
The drills took place at Dayspring Island, a former militant stronghold in the region.
The Navy has established a permanent presence on the island, turning the former camp into an operational base.
Ibrahim said the move would improve safety while supporting trade along waterways linking the area towards Cameroon.
“By the presence of the Navy here, it’s going to increase commerce; it will provide safety of lives and property,” he stated.
The Navy also highlighted the challenges of operating in shallow coastal waters.
Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, said better technology and intelligence were being used.
“The littoral environment presents unique operational challenges that require specialised skills, appropriate tactics, effective communication and seamless coordination among security agencies,” Okehie said.
The exercise is expected to strengthen efforts against piracy, oil theft and other maritime crimes.
