The Nigerian Navy’s Central and Eastern Naval Commands on Friday commenced Exercise Fleet Sentinel, a joint operation aimed at boosting maritime security and curbing criminal activities in Nigeria’s territorial and regional waters.
The exercise was flagged off aboard NNS Kada at the Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Rear Admiral Pakiribo Anabraba.
The drill comes barely 24 hours after the conclusion of Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a multinational maritime security exercise involving navies from West and Central Africa, as well as Europe.
Speaking at the event, Vice Admiral Abbas said Exercise Fleet Sentinel was conceived to address evolving maritime threats within the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional responsibilities.
“In an era defined by asymmetric maritime challenges, it is imperative that the Nigerian Navy remains fully prepared to support both national and regional maritime initiatives of the Federal Government,” he said.
He added that the exercise underscores the Navy’s determination to maintain constant surveillance over the nation’s maritime domain.
According to the CNS, the exercise is designed to enhance coordination among naval units, improve operational proficiency, and strengthen capabilities in areas such as fleet manoeuvres, technical drills, small arms firing, and ceremonial procedures.
A total of nine ships, two helicopters, and other coastal assets have been deployed for the operation.
“I am confident that this exercise will significantly improve our combat readiness and reinforce our ability to effectively respond to threats within our maritime domain,” Abbas said.
In his welcome address, the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, described the exercise as a demonstration of the Navy’s vigilance and readiness to safeguard national interests at sea.
He noted that assets from both the Eastern and Central Fleets, alongside maritime domain awareness facilities, would participate in coordinated operational and tactical drills aimed at testing readiness and enhancing interoperability.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim commended the Chief of Naval Staff for providing the necessary logistics and resources, and lauded officers and personnel for their dedication.
Also speaking, the Officer in Tactical Command for the exercise, Commodore I.B. Salisu, said participating ships would be assigned designated patrol areas overnight, followed by live firing exercises at sea on Saturday.
He added that the exercise would conclude with fleet manoeuvres before all vessels return to harbour.
