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LAGOS, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian Navy Thursday joined 30 other countries to participate in a multi-national annual maritime exercise "Obangame Express."
In a statement to Xinhua, Captain Suleiman Dahun of the Nigeria Navy said the exercise is designed to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.
He said the exercise will be conducted in phases within the territorial waters of the participating nations, noting that 30 nations are scheduled to participate in this year's exercise.
The Navy officer said the Nigerian phase of the exercise is scheduled for March 24-28 and will be conducted in the nation's waters.
According to him, three Nigerian Navy ships and one helicopter will be participating along with a French Navy ship that will sail into the Nigerian waters from Cameroon.
He added that the exercise's purpose is to create realistic scenarios that reflect past piracy incidents whereby a hijacked vessel will transit from one territory to another. Enditem
