The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has flagged off Operation Okun Alafia II, (the name is a Yoruba word for Calm Water), to address insecurity in the maritime environment within its area of command, spanning Lagos up to 200 nautical miles of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Eight ships were deployed for the exercise which is to last for 30 days: NNS Prosperity, NNS Ekun, NNS Nguru, NNS Ekulu, NNS Osun, NNS Ose, TUG Rima and TUG CDR Ugwu, including two helicopters and a detachment of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, SBS.
Speaking during the flag off of the exercise, onboard NNS Unity, at the Beecroft Jetty, Apapa, Lagos, Flag Officer Commanding, FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji, explained that the exercise was in continuation of similar ongoing exercises embarked upon by the command, adding that same exercise was simultaneously launched at the Central and Eastern commands of the Navy.
He also noted that the essence of Operation Okun Alafia II, is in furtherance of the strategic directive and mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, which is to develop a naval force that is well trained, organised and highly motivated to discharge its constitutional roles professionally and efficiently for the defense of Nigeria, in ensuring her economic prosperity.
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