…Team A emerges overall winner as participating units, sister agencies showcase combat readiness
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has formally declared the Central Naval Command (CNC) Intra-Command Maritime Tactical Live Firing Exercise, codenamed EX MIYE EBIMO, closed, describing it as a significant demonstration of the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to maintaining a well-trained, disciplined and operationally ready fighting force.
Vice Admiral Abbas, who was represented at the closing ceremony by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim CTG 26.1, stressed that “readiness is not achieved through a single exercise; it is built through continuous training, discipline, teamwork, professionalism and constant learning.”
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The ceremony held at Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, where the two-day exercise took place from 23 to 24 September 2026.
The CNS said the value of any live-firing exercise goes beyond the successful discharge of weapons, adding that “the ultimate objective is to develop combat effectiveness, tactical confidence, teamwork and operational readiness.”
He charged personnel to carry the experience gained into actual maritime operations, particularly in surveillance, patrols, protection of critical national maritime infrastructure and response to threats within the area of responsibility.
Vice Admiral Abbas also called for a comprehensive post-exercise review to identify strengths, shortcomings and lessons observed, directing that appropriate remedial measures be pursued where gaps are identified.
He commended Rear Admiral Ibrahim and his planning team for the initiative and coordination that brought the exercise to a successful conclusion, just as he appreciated the Commanding Officer and personnel of FOB FORMOSO for providing the necessary support and facilities for the conduct of the exercise.
The CNS further acknowledged the contributions of all participating units, formations, ships, boats, instructors, safety personnel, medical personnel, range staff and other supporting elements, noting that “the success recorded today is a product of collective effort.”
CNS Applauds Navy Air Arm, Pilots
Vice Admiral Abbas particularly acknowledged the participation of the Air Arm of the Nigerian Navy and its pilots, whose aerial support and professionalism contributed significantly to the success of the exercise.
He praised the pilots for their precision, coordination and courage, noting that their involvement underscored the importance of joint and intra-command cooperation in maritime operations.
The display was not only a spectacular showcase of naval aviation capability but also a testament to the excellence that defines the Naval Air Station under the command of Commander IC Amauche.
He also appreciated the cooperation and support of host communities and other relevant stakeholders, emphasising that effective maritime security cannot be achieved by military action alone but requires constructive engagement with local communities, government institutions, sister services, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Team A Emerges Overall Winner
Participating units and sister agencies were divided into five teams for the competition. At the end of the fiercely contested exercise, Team A emerged as the overall winner.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of medals to teams that came tops in the exercise, while the FOC presented trophies to teams that distinguished themselves in other areas of merit.
Exercise Highlights
The exercise featured a series of demanding tactical drills, including assault operations, beach landing and the neutralising of an adversary camp. These drills tested the combat readiness, coordination and tactical competence of participating personnel under realistic operational conditions.
Personnel displayed commendable levels of discipline, professionalism, courage and commitment throughout the two-day event.
FOC Hails Exercise as Milestone
In his closing remarks, Rear Admiral Ibrahim described the exercise as “another important milestone” in the Command’s continuous efforts to enhance the operational readiness, tactical competence and combat effectiveness of personnel and units under the Central Naval Command.
He noted that the exercise exposed participants to realistic operational situations, enabling the Command to evaluate critical aspects of its capabilities, including command and control, weapons handling, coordination and the effective employment of resources in a maritime environment.
“Training exercises such as this are essential because they enable us to identify capability gaps in a controlled environment before personnel are required to confront similar challenges during actual operations,” the FOC stated.
He commended the exercise planning and control teams, participating units, instructors, range safety personnel, medical personnel and support staff for their contributions to the overall success of the exercise, while urging commanders at all levels to ensure that lessons identified are properly documented, analysed and incorporated into subsequent training and operational planning.
Rear Admiral Ibrahim also emphasised the importance of safety in all training and operational activities, particularly the employment of live ammunition, which he said demands the highest standards of discipline, concentration and strict compliance with established safety procedures.
Commissioning of Barber’s Shop
On the sidelines of the exercise, the FOC commissioned a newly built barber’s shop at FOB FORMOSO.
Speaking at the commissioning, Rear Admiral Ibrahim said the project was “beyond a barber’s shop,” noting that the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Navy Captain SK Haruna, had translated the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Strategic Directives and the FOC’s Command Tenets—particularly the infrastructural drive and welfare of personnel—into reality.
He praised the Commanding Officer for his initiative and commitment to improving the welfare and working environment of personnel at the Base, urging other commanders to emulate the gesture.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior officers, commanders, participating troops and support staff, as well as representatives of host communities.
With the successful conclusion of EX MIYE EBIMO, the Central Naval Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining a high state of readiness in view of its strategic importance within the maritime environment of the Central Naval Command.
