The Chief of he Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Idi Abbas has urged officers participating at the CNS Annual Sea Inspection (CNSI) 2025 to consider the exercise an opportunity for pratical battle training.
Abbas said this at the Flag Off of the CNSI 2025 code name “Exercise Eru Obodo” which held on Monday aboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Kada at NNS BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos.
According to the CNS, the name “Eru Obodo” is a phrase from our local dialect meaning guardian of the nation which is profoundly apt.
“This year’s exercise has been meticulously crafted to simulate complex real-world scenarios.
“It will test our capabilities across a broad spectrum of naval warfare from fleet maneuvers, advanced gunnery, anti-piracy operations, illegal oil bunkering, interdiction, search and rescue, board, search and seizure procedures.
“I charge you to operate with precision and uncompromising display. Push your platforms and yourselves to the limit,” he said.
Abbas said “the navy are the protectors of national economic lifelines and the sentinels against all threats emanating from the sea.
“The strategic importance of our maritime environment cannot be overemphasised because it is the highway for commerce, source of immense natural resources and a vital zone for national security.
“Consequently, our ability to dominate these waters, ensure freedom of navigation and retire any form of illegality is non-negotiable,” he said.
The CNS said that the exercise would directly translate to a more secure Gulf of Guinea, safer waterways for fishermen and mariners and a more stable environment for economic prosperity.
“The exercise is a cornerstone of our operational calendar, a critical test of our readiness and a bold declaration of our unwavering commitment to securing the domain.
“We will practice inter-agency cooperation with key stakeholders and test our logistics and combat sustainability far from our bases.
“Beyond our national waters, the Nigerian Navy remains a critical stabilising force within the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
Abbas said that their efforts had significantly contributed to reducing piracy, safeguarding shipping routes and enhancing maritime governance within the region.
“Our readiness strengthened through exercises like this ensures that we stand as a reliable guardian of both Nigeria’s maritime interests and the broader security architecture of the Gulf of Guinea.
“I have no doubt that you will execute your tasks with the courage, skill and patriotism that define our service,” Abbas said.
The CNS thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Navy.
