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The Nigerian Navy has launched a maritime security operation aimed at enhancing its combat readiness and strengthening the protection of the nation’s economic assets across its territorial waters.
The annual exercise, known as Exercise DIN MINGI, meaning “safe waters” in the Ibani language of Rivers State, is being conducted by the Eastern Naval Command and was formally flagged off on Tuesday by Chiedozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding, at the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SHERE in Onne, Rivers State.
Okehie said the three-day operation involves the deployment of nine naval ships of various classes, three helicopters from both the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, the Epsilon EP55 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, as well as multipurpose assault boats provided by the Nigerian Army and the Navy.
According to him, the exercise is designed to assess and strengthen the Navy’s capacity to secure maritime interests, protect critical national infrastructure, and deter criminal elements operating within the country’s waters.
A major highlight of the drill is a simulated opposed boarding on a “hijacked” Liquefied Natural Gas vessel. Okehie explained that the scenario reflects the complex and sensitive nature of LNG carriers and is meant to test the Navy’s ability to neutralise threats without compromising vessel safety or structural integrity.
This year’s exercise is themed “Protecting Critical Infrastructure Through Inter-Agency Collaboration,” and includes the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. NDLEA officials are expected to join boarding teams during the operation to identify psychoactive substances on suspected vessels, further reinforcing the inter-agency approach.
Okehie highlighted that Exercise DIN MINGI represents the Navy’s four operational pillars, professionalism, operational readiness, welfare, and collaboration with other security agencies.
He noted that previous editions of the drill have improved the force’s capabilities and strengthened cooperation among agencies, helping the Armed Forces maintain a state of constant preparedness.
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“In the Armed Forces, we need continuous retraining to perform our daily operations. This exercise is part of our training objectives to ensure that personnel remain combat-ready and capable of responding to real-time maritime threats”, he said.
Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff, has stated his mission to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests.
K.O. Oguntuga, Officer in Tactical Command, also urged the participants to conduct the exercise with professionalism, vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols.
He noted that every operation at sea offers an opportunity to sharpen skills, improve coordination and reinforce teamwork across the service.
