The Nigerian Navy has conducted an inter-agency simulation focused on anti-smuggling and oil theft. This exercise, held around Parrot Island, forms a crucial part of the training curriculum for officers participating in the Naval Warfare Course Eight at the Naval War College in Calabar.
The Naval Warfare Course Eight comprises 24 participants, including 17 naval officers, two officials from both the Air Force and the Army, and three officers from Cameroon, Ghana, and Guinea Bissau. Led by Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant of the Naval War College, Nigeria, the simulation aimed to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills while emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various agencies.
Rear Admiral Ahmed highlighted the significance of cooperation among agencies, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to national security. He stressed the importance of working together as a unified team to achieve the desired security outcomes for the nation.
Mr. Stanley Onuoha, Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Calabar, echoed the sentiment of collaboration, emphasizing the need for regular inter-agency activities in the maritime domain. He commended the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command for his assurance and underscored the importance of such exercises in promoting emergency response and rescue operations on Nigerian waterways.
The involvement of various agencies, including the State Security Service (SSS), immigration, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), underscores the collective effort to enhance maritime security and ensure the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
As Nigeria strives to encourage more investment in its waterways, collaborations like these play a crucial role in fostering synergy among stakeholders and improving rescue operations and response capabilities. The successful execution of this inter-agency simulation marks a significant step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
