Navy deploys 1,500 officers to tackle piracy in Gulf of Guinea

The Nigerian Navy says it has deployed 1,500 personnel, 13 ships and two helicopters in a special military exercise to tackle pirates in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gulf of Guinea is located at the north-eastern region of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of western Africa.

Awwal Gambo, chief of naval staff, announced the deployment on Thursday at the flag-off event for ‘Exercise Grand African NEMO 2021’ in Onne, Rivers state.

Gambo, represented by Obi Egbuchulam, the flag officer for the central naval command, said the six-day exercise is aimed at tackling attacks by oil thieves.

“Exercise Grand African NEMO 2021 is an initiative of the French Navy in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and allied partners to improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“The exercise involves a multifaceted deployment at sea and ashore of naval assets drawn from the three operation commands of the Nigerian Navy.

“The exercise aims at ensuring the freedom of navigation in the nation’s maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea by strengthening coordination in the fight against maritime insecurity.

“To this end, the exercise will involve a total of 13 ships, about 1,500 personnel, two helicopters and three foreign naval ships, including the French Navy and the Royal Navy.

“The Nigerian Navy maritime awareness domain facilities and elements of special boat service (navy special forces) will also participate in the exercise.

“The exercise will also cover anti-piracy, protection of oil facilities, conducting search-and-rescue operations, among others.”