By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Lagos
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to remain battle-ready at all times, warning that vigilance is essential even in periods of peace.
He gave the charge on Monday onboard NNS KADA during the flag-off of the Navy’s Annual Sea Exercise, codenamed EX ERU OBODO, in Lagos.
Vice Admiral Abbas said sustained readiness was crucial for the Navy to confront emerging maritime threats and safeguard the nation’s economic and security interests.
He stressed that complacency had no place in military service, noting that the Navy must constantly train and prepare for evolving conflict scenarios. He added that discipline, professionalism and teamwork remained central to achieving operational goals.
The CNS noted that the exercise was taking place at a time the Navy was expanding its capabilities and strengthening contributions to regional and global maritime security.
He said the service had been involved in several operations against piracy, terrorism, crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, adding that the directive to remain battle-ready reflected the Navy’s resolve to deepen its presence across the Gulf of Guinea.
“It is with immense pride and a deep sense of duty that I address you on the flag-off of EX ERU OBODO. The name — meaning ‘Guardian of the Nation’ — reflects the sacred mandate you carry,” he said, stressing the strategic value of Nigeria’s maritime domain as a hub of commerce, resources and national security.
Abbas explained that this year’s drill was designed to simulate complex real-world scenarios, including fleet manoeuvres, advanced gunnery, anti-piracy operations, illegal oil bunkering interdiction, search and rescue, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS). He urged participating units to regard the exercise as battle practice, not routine training.
Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) for the operation, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, described the CNS Annual Sea Inspection 2025 (CASI 25) as the culmination of all exercises conducted throughout the year. He said it offered a strategic opportunity for the CNS to assess fleet readiness in line with his mission for a highly motivated and professional force.
“As OTC, I am committed to ensuring that CASI 25 reflects the highest standards of operational efficiency and coordination,” he said, warning that threats such as sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal trafficking and unregulated resource exploitation were becoming more complex.
In his remarks, the Nigerian Navy Chief of Operations and Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE), Admiral M.B. Katagum, said EX ERU OBODO required precise coordination among ships, aircraft, maritime security elements and special forces, adding that discipline and procedural excellence were essential to achieving a combat-ready Navy.