By Asuquo Cletus
The Nigerian Navy has commenced a maiden intra-command maritime tactical live firing exercise, code-named Exercise Littoral Fury, in Ikang, Cross River State, as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity to combat piracy, sea robbery, illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft.
The exercise organised by the Eastern Naval Command, is designed to enhance the combat readiness and proficiency of naval personnel in weapon handling and operations within the creeks, waterways and littoral environment.
The Special Guest of Honour, The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas represented by Chief of Operations Nigerian NavyRear Admiral Patrick Effah, on Wednesday at the event, the Chief of Operations, Nigerian Navy, said marksmanship was a fundamental combat skill that naval personnel must continuously develop.
He said the exercise would enhance the Navy’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in fighting at sea, on land and through joint operations with other security agencies.
He said, “Rigorous training and realistic operational drills are not just operational activities. What we will be witnessing today is geared towards ensuring that we gain the basic things that have to do with firing and hitting our target.”
He urged participants to adhere strictly to safety regulations and range orders, stressing that the exercise was not merely about winning points but about honing skills required to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and installations.
The naval chief’s representative also commended the Cross River State Government for its support to the Nigerian Navy, particularly in providing logistics for the establishment of a naval outpost at Dayspring Island.
He recalled that the area had previously been significant to naval operations during the Bakassi crisis in the late 1990s.
The host, Flag Officer Commanding , Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie,
Speaking at the event said the exercise was aimed at exposing personnel to realistic operational situations and improving their ability to respond rapidly to maritime security threats.
He said the exercise would also promote joint and coordinated responses among security agencies to threats including piracy, sea robbery, illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft, smuggling and other forms of maritime criminality.
According to him, the choice of Ikang and the surrounding littoral environment was deliberate because of the unique operational challenges posed by the waterways.
He said, “The littoral environment presents unique operational challenges that require specialised skills, appropriate tactics, effective communication and seamless coordination among security agencies.”
The FOC added that the command had continued to leverage technology, innovation and intelligence-driven operations to improve its ability to detect and respond to maritime crimes.
Representing the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the ceremony Navy Commander Patrick Bassey Odiong (Rtd.) State Security Adviser for the Southern Senatorial District Calabar, noted that the state government commended the Navy for the initiative, saying the security of the state’s waterways was critical to economic development.
The representative said the state’s extensive coastline and sensitive waterways required sustained security to protect economic activities, fishing communities, commercial vessels and maritime investments.
He said the government would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies to strengthen security along the state’s waterways.
The representative further said the establishment of naval outposts in strategic maritime locations would help close intelligence and operational gaps previously exploited by criminal elements.
He added that the state government had continued to support the Navy with logistics, particularly in the establishment of temporary outposts.
The state government also commended the Eastern Naval Command for its reported successes in the arrest of suspected maritime criminals and the rescue of passengers along the Calabar–Oron waterways.
The Chief Staff Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Steven Ibrahim Eastern Naval Command, said the exercise was designed to further strengthen the command’s operational readiness and equip personnel with the skills required to operate effectively in the challenging littoral environment.
He stressed the importance of coordinated action, discipline and professionalism in confronting emerging security threats across the nation’s maritime domain, urging personnel to make the most of the training.
Also speaking the Chief Staff Officer……also urged participating personnel to take the exercise seriously, share operational knowledge and identify gaps that could affect effective responses to maritime crimes.
He said lessons from the exercise would help improve tactical capabilities and strengthen collaboration among the Navy and other security agencies in safeguarding Cross River’s waterways.
Our correspondent gathered that the exercise is expected to provide naval personnel with practical experience in weapon handling, tactical coordination and rapid response to threats within the maritime environment.
