The Nigerian Navy has deployed troops on board two major platforms and gunboats in a special military exercise code-named “Exercise Calm Water 2” to fight maritime crimes including oil theft and piracy.
Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, announced the deployment during the flag-off of the exercise at the Navy Victory Ship Jetty In Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Adeniran said the exercise was aimed at tackling the menace of pirates, oil smugglers, militancy and other criminal activities taking place on the Eastern Waters in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff directive.
The FOC explained that “Exercise BEKAN MMON II” which means Calm Water II in Efik is one of the numerous operational engagements that the Command is currently undertaking. He added that the 2 major platforms and gunboats will be manned by personnels of the Command.
The FOC said Operations BEKAN MMON will consolidate on the gains of Operation Calm Water I which led to increase in shipping activities, crude oil production and other transformational economic activities on the Eastern Waters.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
