To prevent unauthorised activities around the harbours and back channels, the Western Naval Command (WNC) yesterday flagged off a strategic exercise codenamed Operation AWKWARD 2026.
The exercise is coming at a time when concerns have been raised about activities of stowaways who usually snuck into foreign vessels around Lagos Anchorage, as well as illicit substance smugglers, reports The Nation.
Inaugurating the exercise onboard Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), WNC, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said it was designed to strengthen harbour protection capabilities, enhance operational readiness, and improve response to asymmetric and unconventional maritime threats.
He emphasised inter-unit coordination, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, and the integration of lessons learned into future operational planning.
According to him, boats would mainly deployed for the exercise, explaining that while vessels will deploy their inflatable boats, gunboats from units under the command like Takwa Bay and Badagry, would link up mid-channel to participate.
“Exercises such as this enable us to assess the operational readiness of our personnel and equipment. Identified gaps help us recalibrate our strategies, tactics, techniques and procedures to enhance our ability to secure the maritime domain.
“Nigeria continues to attract partner nations seeking to train with the Nigerian Navy due to the high level of professionalism demonstrated by our personnel.
“This is further reflected in the Navy’s recent ranking among the top 22 in the world. Many countries are particularly interested in training alongside our special forces.
“The exercise also improves the proficiency of our personnel in equipment handling and seamanship, contributing to a more secure maritime environment where economic activities can thrive.
“Although the exercise is primarily a harbour defence operation, many of the drills are applicable at sea. Activities will not extend beyond the harbour limits but will cover the channels and terminals within the harbour area, including up to the fairway buoy, over the next two days,” he explained.
Earlier, the Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, said the exercise will simulate realistic threat scenarios, test command and control systems, and evaluate surveillance, patrol, and emergency response mechanisms within the harbour area.
