All posts by : Donald Onuoha

Notice:

Troops of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) JUBILEE, in collaboration with Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion Nigerian Army, and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, have uncovered an illegal recruitment and training centre operating in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

At about 1300 hours on 31 August 2026, following credible intelligence on the suspected illegal recruitment of individuals as provisional cadets of a purported Nigeria Coast Guard Academy at Uwa West, Essien Udim LGA, a joint operation was conducted by troops of NNS JUBILEE, personnel of Headquarters 2 Brigade/Operation THUNDER, 6 Battalion and operatives of the VCRU, Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

The joint team subsequently raided the Merchant Seaman Academy, Essien Udim LGA, which was allegedly being used as a venue for the illegal recruitment and training of cadets into the purported fake agency.

During the operation, a total of 12 suspects were arrested, comprising six officials suspected to be involved in the illegal activity, five recruits/trainees and one Merchant Seaman Academy cadet. The arrested suspects were subsequently handed over to the VCRU, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of joint operations and inter-agency synergy in tackling emerging security threats. The coordinated efforts of NNS JUBILEE, the Nigerian Army and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and seamless cooperation among security agencies. Such collaboration remains critical to strengthening the collective security architecture, disrupting criminal activities and protecting members of the public from fraudulent and illegal recruitment schemes.

GOC 6 Div Pays Courtesy Visit to ENC

On Thursday, 17 September 2026, the General Officer Commanding (GOC),
6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General EI Okoro, paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admiral CD Okehie.

The visit formed part of the GOC’s familiarization engagements following his assumption of command of 6 Division and provided an opportunity to strengthen the existing relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy within the region.

During the engagement, the GOC commended the FOC for the support extended to Army formations in Calabar and its environs. He further assured the FOC that the Nigerian Army and its formations within the Calabar area would remain available to provide the necessary support whenever called upon, particularly in efforts to combat maritime criminalities within the region.

Responding, the FOC expressed appreciation to the GOC for the visit, noting that the fight against maritime crime requires the collective efforts of all relevant stakeholders. He emphasized that activities at sea and on land are closely interconnected, as incidents at sea may have their roots on land, while activities on land can equally have implications for maritime security. He therefore stressed the need for sustained information sharing to effectively address security challenges in the region.

The visit also featured an exchange of souvenirs as a mark of goodwill and in commemoration of the engagement.

In attendance were the Chief Staff Officer, ENC; the Commander, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army; and senior officers from both Services.

. #OnwardTogether

Click on the weblink to view or download the 2026 version of Eastern Tide Magazine: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19qMOASRYvvKzi1UulIKN7WakVV8IZOpA/view?usp=drive_link

.HQ ENC #OnwardTogether

Exercise Littoral Fury 2026.
ENC Intra-Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise (18-20 August, 2026.) Click to watch short video highlight here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gZx_8GbD3T-KOnbH5jyAu_781rDTjOjK/view?usp=drive_link

LITTORAL FURY: ENC Sharpens Combat Edge, Reaffirms Resolve to Secure Nigeria’s Waters

From the roar of gunfire across the Calabar Channel to the precision manoeuvres around Dayspring Island, the Nigerian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command (ENC) has brought Exercise LITTORAL FURY to a successful conclusion, demonstrating its readiness to confront emerging threats and protect Nigeria’s maritime interests.

The maiden ENC Intra-Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise, which ended on 20 August 2026, brought together naval platforms, personnel and sister-service elements in a realistic display of firepower, tactical proficiency and joint operational capability.

More than a firing exercise, LITTORAL FURY provided a practical test of the Command’s ability to operate effectively in the challenging littoral environment, while strengthening the coordination, communication and combat readiness required for maritime operations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, described rigorous training and realistic operational drills as essential to maintaining a mission-ready force, stressing that tactical proficiency is forged through continuous and demanding training.

The exercise further reinforced the importance of jointness, with personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force working together towards a common objective.

Beyond the live-firing exercises, personnel also competed in a range of skills-based events designed to test speed, precision and weapon-handling proficiency. These included blindfolded rifle stripping and assembling competitions for both male and female personnel, alongside firing competitions such as the 100-metre firing, target shooting, machine gun static and moving firing, among others.

Outstanding personnel were rewarded with medals and recognition across the various competition categories, including awards for overall best performers.

For the ENC, however, the significance of LITTORAL FURY extends beyond the medals and the spectacle of live fire. It is a demonstration of a force continuously preparing, adapting and sharpening its edge to safeguard Nigeria’s waters against threats ranging from piracy and sea robbery to crude oil theft and other forms of maritime criminality.

With the successful conclusion of Exercise LITTORAL FURY, the ENC has once again affirmed its commitment to maintaining a disciplined, professional and mission-ready force, capable of securing the maritime environment and contributing decisively to Nigeria’s national security.

More pictures as highlights:

Handing and Taking over Ceremony. On Tuesday, 4 November 2025, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Donald Okehie assumed duty as the 43rd Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command (ENC) following a formal handing and taking over ceremony with the outgoing FOC, Rear Admiral Kennedy Chukwuemeka Ezete. The event featured the signing of handover notes and the symbolic exchange of the command flag, marking a seamless transition of leadership in one of the Navy’s most strategic maritime formations.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral KC Ezete expressed gratitude to God for a successful tenure and appreciated officers and men of the Command for their loyalty and support. In his maiden address, Rear Admiral CD Okehie commended his predecessor for his outstanding service and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Command’s operations through professionalism, operational readiness, personnel welfare, and enhanced synergy with stakeholders. #OnwardTogether

Handing and Taking over Ceremony between the outgoing Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral SA Akinwande, and the incoming FOC, Rear Admiral KC Ezete, at HQ ENC Calabar, Cross River State on Wednesday 2 July 2025. #OnwardTogether