Hobnob News reports that the Nigerian Navy has intensified efforts to secure the nation’s waterways with the deployment of helicopters, ships, and specialised assault boats in a large-scale maritime security exercise.
The Navy has mobilised three helicopters, nine ships, multipurpose assault boats, and unmanned aerial platforms for the annual sea inspection aimed at boosting operational readiness and strengthening the protection of Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.
The Eastern Naval Command’s edition of the drill, tagged “Ex Din Mingi” — meaning safe waters in the Ibani language — was officially launched by the Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, at the Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE in Onne, Rivers State.
Rear Admiral Okehie said the exercise aligns with the Navy’s four strategic pillars of Professionalism, Operational Readiness, Welfare, and Inter-Agency Collaboration, noting that the three-day operation will involve the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
According to him, one of the major highlights will be a high-risk simulation involving the opposed boarding of a hijacked LNG vessel — a mission that requires precision, speed, and specialised counter-terrorism skills.
He added that personnel from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency are also participating, especially in areas related to detecting psychoactive substances during vessel inspections.
The exercise, he said, will evaluate the combat readiness of the Eastern Fleet, strengthen cooperation between security agencies, and ensure criminals have no room to operate within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has made it clear that his mission is to deploy a motivated and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests,” Okehie stated.
The Officer in Tactical Command, Rear Admiral K. O. Oguntuga, urged participating officers to maintain vigilance and adhere strictly to safety protocols, adding that every mission at sea sharpens skill and builds stronger teamwork.
Private Security Firm Recruits 1,000 Youths to Boost Waterways Safety
In a parallel effort to enhance coastal security, a private security organisation, Gallery Security Service, has announced the employment of over 1,000 youths in Ondo State to support surveillance and patrol activities across the state’s waterways.
Speaking at the company’s 13th anniversary celebration in Agadagba-Obon, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, the General Manager, Anthony Onyeisue, said the initiative not only strengthens community-level security but also tackles unemployment by providing meaningful job opportunities.
According to him, the firm operates closely with conventional security agencies, handing over suspects to law enforcement since it lacks prosecutorial powers and is prohibited from carrying arms or using military-grade devices.
“Although we cannot deploy drones or other advanced military tools, our collaboration with relevant security bodies ensures we can still operate effectively using everyday communication devices,” he said.
Onyeisue revealed that the company’s workforce is drawn from local communities, in line with national community policing strategies. While headquartered in Ondo State, the firm also operates in Lagos, Akure, Benin, and other regions, with plans to expand nationwide and globally.
He added that Gallery Security Service has a formal agreement with the Ondo State Government to manage its waterways — a key gateway to both the Niger Delta and Lagos — and is awaiting NSCDC accreditation to operate unrestricted across the country.
