Navy flags off search, rescue operation with 7 ships, 2 helicopters

In a bid to enhance maritime safety and security, the Nigerian Navy on Thursday flagged off “Exercise Swift Response,” deploying seven ships, two helicopters, and additional assets, including a patrol vessel from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan, fagged off the exercise onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA.

He said the objective of the exercise is to bolster maritime search and rescue capabilities to minimize the loss of lives and properties at sea.

“This exercise involves the deployment of suitable naval assets, equipped for maritime disaster management operations.

“The exercise is aimed at contributing to the safety of lives at sea in Nigeria’s maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea by providing prompt and timely response to maritime accidents,” he said.

He added that the exercise also serve as an opportunity to evaluate the command’s disaster management readiness and align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s vision for enhancing operational preparedness across the Nigerian Navy.

Hassan said the exercise would involve the training of personnel in the new tactic of triangulating and prosecuting rogue vessels at sea.

“The exercise will afford ships in the western fleet the opportunity to reevaluate their information sharing capabilities through effective communication and also test their capabilities for carrying out rescue missions at sea.

“It will also equally assess the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy in surveillance and special air operations, among others, ” he said.