In order to limit maritime crime on the Gulf of Guinea (GOG) waters, and especially piracy and sea robbery, the Nigerian Navy (NN) along with France, China, Portugal, Cameroon, Ghana and Togo conducted a maritime exercise named Exercise EKU KEGBE, of which 12 Nigerian Navy ships and ships from the other countries were deployed.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas noted that the exercise aimed to advance regional cooperation, and improve maritime security in the GOG as it has rich resources, including oil and gas and fisheries.
However, despite these potentials, Mr. Ibas mentioned that the GOG experiences many threats in and around its environment. These include maritime terrorism, resource theft and sabotage of supporting infrastructure. But they are not only these, as piracy and armed robbery, targeting maritime trade, are damaging the economy of the nations.
Commenting on the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, who flagged off the exercise, highlighted the importance of protecting the resources and huge potentials of the GOG.
He specifically expressed his gratitude for the available resources, and seemed optimistic that the navy can combat the threats and illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
