The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha (GSS), officially flagged off Exercise OMI AILEWU 2025 onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA. The exercise, aimed at combating major maritime security threats, including oil theft, illegal fishing, arms smuggling, human and drug trafficking, and attacks on critical national infrastructure, is within the Western Maritime corridor of Nigeria.
The Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), Captain LD Deyin, in his exercise overview, highlighted that OMI AILEWU 2025 is not just a routine training drill but a strategic operation which is in line with the mission of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, which is to maintain an intelligence- and technology-driven naval presence that can detect, deter, disrupt, and deny criminal activities across the Western Naval Command’s maritime area of responsibility. He also emphasized that the exercise would feature 4 Naval Ships (NNS IKOGOSI, GURARA, OLOIBIRI, and MAMBILA), 2 helicopters, 2 Tactical Drones, and the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) element. The exercise would also test fleet manoeuvres, communication procedures, maritime interdiction drills, and overall coordination at sea.
Rear Admiral AA Mustpha, in these remarks, highlighted the strategic importance of the maritime domain to Nigeria’s economy, security, and the developing Blue Economy while flagging off Exercise OMI AILEWU. He emphasized that training is the best welfare for personnel, aligning with the CNS’s directive that the Navy must train and operate seamlessly to ensure safe waters for commerce and the Blue Economy.
The FOC urged participants to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and teamwork, noting that lessons learned during the exercise will prepare them for real-world operations. He appreciated the presence of invited guests and officially flagged off the exercise, wishing all participants a safe and successful operation.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph, capturing the Special Guest of Honour, participating officers, and the ship’s crew to signify the formal start of the exercise.