AGAINST the backdrop of rising insecurity in the delta and its resolve to fulfil part of its responsibility in the security of the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy will today start a series of naval exercises in the Bight of Bonny to test its preparedness to fully secure the area.
Code-named EXERCISE IDABO, the exercise is also to test the operational capability of Nigerian Navy ships, which have been undergoing local refit. IDABO is a Yoruba word meaning ” to protect”.
The Bight of Bonny is the major strategic gateway for Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas. The area gives access to over 500 oil fields and the largest crude oil export terminals.
Apart from the oil fields, with their numerous exploitation and storage platforms, the Bight of Bonny is the only access route to Nigeria’s huge natural gas reserves and the gigantic industrial complexes that have been constructed to store and export the gas.
Director of Information of the Nigerian Navy, Captain Obi Medani said that “preserving the security of the area is therefore of utmost priority to the Nigerian Navy.”
A total of 13 ships, four helicopters and four boats will be taking part in the exercise.
The ships taking part in the exercise are drawn from the two operational arms of the Navy – the Western and Eastern Fleets.
The ships and helicopters include the nation’s flagship – the MEKO 360 General Purpose Frigate NNS ARADU; the MK9 corvette, NNS ENYIMIRI; the Landing Ship Tank (LST) NNS AMBE; the Strikers – NNS SIRI, NNS AYAM, NNS EKUN and NNS DAMISA.
Also to participate are the four buoy tenders transferred to the Nigerian Navy by the United States Coast Guard – NNS KYANWA, NNS OLOGBO, NNS NWAMBA and NNS OBULA.
The ships also includes Nigeria’s Presidential yacht and training ship, NNS AMARIYA; the Inshore Patrol craft, NNS YOLA; the Agusta A109E helicopters and the Defender Response Boats (DRBs).
All naval personnel participating in the exercise are to conduct Fleet Manoeuvres, Boarding and Search, emergency drills, gunnery and ceremonies.