The ORBANGAME Express 2025 will focus on curbing small arms trafficking and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), says the Nigerian Navy.
Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Micheal Oamen, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, launched the exercise aboard Nigerian Navy Ship KADA.
Oamen stated that the exercise, taking place from May 9 to 13, would feature anti-smuggling and narcotics operations as key components of maritime security efforts.
“The Nigerian Navy will deploy six ships, two helicopters, maritime domain awareness assets and elements of the Special Boat Service (SBS) for this sea exercise,” he said.
He added that the exercise would unite partners from the GoG, the Americas, and Europe to evaluate Nigeria’s capacity for joint maritime security operations.
“Over time, this exercise has greatly improved Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and contributed meaningfully to regional stability,” he said.
Oamen noted that Exercise ORBANGAME EXPRESS is an annual multinational event initiated by the U.S. Navy in partnership with GoG nations’ navies.
He explained that since its inception in 2010, the exercise has grown, now including reputable naval forces from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
“We are pleased to welcome the Spanish warship ESPS RELAMPAGO to this year’s edition of the exercise,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the exercise would enhance operational readiness and deepen international naval collaboration.
“At its conclusion, we expect to further strengthen our collective response to maritime crimes in the sub-region,” Oamen affirmed.
The FOC recalled that in March 2022, the International Maritime Bureau removed Nigeria from the piracy-prone list due to reduced incidents in its waters.
“According to the Nigerian Shippers Council, improved safety in the GoG has boosted trade, thanks to consistent naval operations and support from maritime stakeholders,” he noted.
Oamen expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his continued backing and to the CNS for providing essential logistical support to the Navy’s operations.
“As a Navy, we appreciate our partner navies, especially the U.S. and Spain, for their enduring commitment and key contributions to this exercise,” he said.
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