The Nigerian Navy has kicked off its first intra-command maritime tactical live-firing exercise, named Exercise Littoral Fury, in Cross River State. This initiative aims to bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in combating piracy, sea robbery, illegal oil bunkering, and crude oil theft.

Organized by the Eastern Naval Command, the exercise is focused on improving the combat readiness of naval personnel, particularly in weapon handling and operations in creeks, waterways, and coastal areas. Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of the Naval Staff, represented by Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, the Chief of Operations, emphasized the importance of continuous skill development in marksmanship for naval personnel during the launch of the exercise.

“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,” Effah stated. He highlighted that rigorous training and realistic operational drills are essential for the Navy to effectively protect Nigeria’s maritime interests.

Effah also urged participants to strictly follow safety regulations and range orders, emphasizing that the exercise was not merely a competition but a critical opportunity to refine essential skills needed for maritime security.

Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, explained that the exercise is designed to expose personnel to realistic operational scenarios and enhance their ability to respond swiftly to maritime security threats. He noted that the exercise would facilitate coordinated responses among various security agencies to tackle issues such as piracy and illegal oil theft.

The choice of Ikang and its surrounding littoral environment for the exercise was intentional, given the unique operational challenges posed by the area’s waterways. Okehie remarked, “The littoral environment presents unique operational challenges that require specialised skills, appropriate tactics, effective communication and seamless coordination among security agencies.”

Additionally, the command is leveraging technology and intelligence-driven operations to enhance its capacity to detect and respond to maritime crimes effectively.

Representing the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the event, Navy Commander Patrick Bassey Odiong (retd.), the State Security Adviser for the Southern Senatorial District, expressed the state government’s support for the initiative. He highlighted the critical need for security in the state’s waterways to foster economic development, protect fishing communities, and ensure the safety of commercial vessels and maritime investments.

Odiong confirmed the state’s commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to strengthen security along the waterways, commending the Eastern Naval Command for its achievements in apprehending suspected maritime criminals and rescuing passengers on the Calabar-Oron waterways.