With Christmas fast approaching and travel activities steadily increasing, the Nigerian Navy has assured citizens that the nation’s waterways will remain safe and fully secured throughout the festive period.
This assurance was underscored during a major maritime operation under Exercise Di Mingi—a three-day security drill whose Ibani name translates to “Safe Waters.”
Aboard naval vessels slicing through the Atlantic within the Eastern Naval Command’s area of responsibility, personnel executed real-time simulations of threats that commonly challenge Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Addressing journalists during the exercise, Rear Admiral Kolawole Oguntuga, Fleet Commander of the Eastern Naval Command, expressed confidence in the Navy’s readiness ahead of the holidays.
“We expect an increase in tourists, families traveling, and maritime operators this season. They will all rely on our waterways, and I want to assure Nigerians that the waters will be safe,” he said.
“And to criminals—consider this your warning. Desist from illegal activities or be ready to face the consequences.”
Live Interdictions and Multi-Agency Operations
Exercise Di Mingi showcased more than drills; it replicated real-world threats and demonstrated the Navy’s operational capability in live scenarios.
Across the three-day exercise, the Navy worked alongside the Army, Air Force, NDLEA, and other security agencies in coordinated operations.
A major highlight was an anti-narcotics operation triggered by intelligence that a vessel was transporting psychoactive substances along Nigeria’s coastline. Naval ships intercepted the vessel 25 nautical miles offshore, where NDLEA operatives confirmed the presence of cocaine and other hard drugs. The vessel was immediately seized.
In another operation, the Navy responded to a simulated piracy incident involving a hijacked ship. Air surveillance assets assessed the situation while Special Boat Service (SBS) commandos boarded the vessel, neutralised the threat, rescued the crew, and escorted the ship safely to port.
Rear Admiral Oguntuga commended the “seamless coordination” among participating agencies, noting the improved communication flow, effective air support, and swift deployment of special forces as evidence of Nigeria’s growing maritime security strength.
He said the operation reflects the Eastern Naval Command’s core pillars: Professionalism, Readiness, Welfare, and Interagency Collaboration.
Regional Command Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony aboard NNS SHERE, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Okehie, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to supporting the Chief of Naval Staff’s mission of maintaining a well-motivated, professional force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
“Every security agency brings unique strengths to the table. Addressing maritime threats effectively requires synergy,” he stated.
Ensuring a Safe Yuletide Season
As maritime travel, shipping activities, and tourism surge ahead of Christmas, the Navy says Exercise Di Mingi sends a clear message: criminal elements will find no space to operate.
The Command emphasized that secure waterways are crucial to national economic stability—especially during peak travel seasons—and pledged to maintain robust surveillance and patrol operations beyond the festive period.
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