Chiemelie Ezeobi
To recalibrate strategy, tactics, techniques, and procedure to boost defence of Nigeria’s maritime domain, the Western Naval Command (WNC), yesterday flagged off Operation Awkward 2026.
WNC Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, who flagged off the operation onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA in Apapa, Lagos, said the harbour defence exercise will test men and equipment to know their real state of readiness for real life situations.
He said: “Operation Awkward and other exercises in the Navy are in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas’s mission to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and collaborating effectively with other agencies in defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Exercises such as this actually help us to test our men and equipment to know their real state of readiness. Gaps identified would help us recalibrate our strategy, tactics, techniques, and procedure so that we are better able to defend our maritime space.
“If you observed, most partner countries want to come to Nigeria to train with the Nigerian Navy because of the high level of professionalism displayed by our Navy. This also attests to the recent ranking of our Navy as top 22 in the world.
“Most countries want to train with us, want to train with our special forces. So this exercise gives the opportunity for our men to be more proficient in their equipment and also in their seamanship.
“This overall helps in stabilising the maritime space for economic activities to thrive. It is essentially harbour defense exercise, but most of the drills can be applied at sea.
“So we’re not going beyond the harbour, but we’re going along the channels and along most of the terminals because the harbour encompasses both the Navy base and the entire maritime assets, MP, and all the infrastructure along the channel.
“We will extend to that extent to the fairway buoy and back within the next two days. Boats are going to be launched by all vessels. And boats from our sister, our units under command, Taqwa Bay, Badagry, will also meet the boats midway for the exercises.”
The FOC further charged the officers and ratings participating in this exercise to exhibit the highest standards of discipline and tactical proficiency.
He said: “Use this opportunity to identify gaps in our readiness and take deliberate steps to close them. Let us remain resolute in our mission to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, readiness, and maritime security.
Earlier, Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the flag off underscores the importance the command places on operational readiness, harbour defence, and the continuous professional development of our personnel.
He said: “The exercise represents a deliberate and purposeful effort to test our collective readiness and reinforce the security architecture of our harbour and adjoining waters.
“In an increasingly complex maritime environment, threats to ships, installations, and personnel demand vigilance, discipline, and swift response.
“Exercises of this nature provide a platform to rehearse procedures, validate communication channels, and ensure that every unit and individual understands their role in safeguarding our assets and maintaining operational superiority within our Area of Responsibility.
“Rigorous training, realistic drills, and continuous evaluation during periods of relative calm strengthen our capacity to respond effectively in times of crisis. Our commitment to preparedness today directly translates into the preservation of lives, equipment, and mission success tomorrow.”
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