By Thompson ABISOLA
As part of efforts to get rid of criminals in the maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy(NN) on Saturday concluded its Fourth Quarter Sea Exercise codenamed ‘Exercise Anum Buneng’ in Lagos.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Adm. Habila Ngalabak said the exercise was to assess the operational readiness of ships within the WNC’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
According to him, it is also aimed at addressing the nation’s current and impending maritime security challenges.
“Recently, the NN in collaboration with other maritime law enforcement agencies collectively developed a document titled “Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment’’.
“To further enhance the operationalisation of this document, some of the agencies participated in the sea exercise.
“We also continue to look forward to areas of further cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
He said that the maritime space provided significant opportunities which were also the lifeblood of the country’s economy.
“It is pertinent to remind us that the prosperity and security of maritime nations are inextricably linked to the seas.
“In Nigeria, the maritime space provides significant economic opportunities. This is because it is the lifeblood of our economy, conveying over 85 per cent of the total volume of international trade.
“Anum Buneng’’ which means “Calm Waters” in Tangale language aptly captures the current operational posture of the NN, which is to rid our nation’s waters of all forms of criminality.
“Thus, to render it safe, calm and conducive for commerce and trade to thrive,” he said.
He gave the assurance that the WNC would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that the water was safe and conducive for the conduct of legitimate maritime activities within its AOR.
Eight vessels and two helicopters were deployed for the exercise.
The exercise onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Unity started with search and rescue simulation exercise with the Special Boat Service (SBS) team.
Part of the simulation exercise performed was tracket, which is tracking and detecting illegal vessels or pirates at nights.
There was also gunnery exercise by the ships and the helicopters while there was fleet maneuvering by the ships involved in the exercise.
The exercise also involved Maritime Combat Operations, Maritime Security Operations and Maritime Assistance Operations.
During the exercise, there was no technical failure and the naval men performed optimally well.
Present at the sea exercise were top brass in the military.
