Nigerian Navy deploys assets for maritime security in Gulf of Guinea
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 ships, two helicopters, and other assets for Exercise Obangame Express 2026, a special operation aimed at combating maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, announced the deployment during the flag-off ceremony aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Onne, Rivers State. The operation will target piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, crude oil theft, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Vice Admiral Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral P.E. Effah, highlighted that the exercise, initiated in 2010 by the United States Navy and Gulf of Guinea nations, has become a strategic platform for coordinated maritime security. He emphasized its role in fostering unity, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening regional cooperation, information sharing, and tactical readiness against evolving threats. The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral C. D. Okehie, noted the Gulf of Guinea's strategic importance as a global sea lane and its vulnerability to maritime threats, underscoring the need for Nigeria to build robust maritime security capabilities and deepen cooperation with partners.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has officially recognized the Shehu Gabam-led National Working Committee NWC of the Social Democratic Party SDP. This decision, confirmed by INEC officials and updated on its website, follows a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, affirmed Gabam as the authentic National Chairman of the party. The ruling stemmed from an appeal filed by Fayemi Babatunde, an aggrieved party member, who challenged the validity of the Ekiti State governorship primary and the legitimacy of the party leadership that conducted it. Babatunde specifically faulted the NWC led by Dr. Sadiq Gombe, describing it as illegally constituted. While a Federal High Court initially dismissed the case and affirmed Gombe, the Court of Appeal partially overturned this decision, stating the lower court lacked jurisdiction over the SDP leadership tussle. The appellate court set aside the Federal High Court's pronouncement recognizing Gombe and validating the November 8, 2025 primary election. However, it relied on INEC's monitoring report, which confirmed the primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a winner, Mr. Bankole Oludele. INEC's website now lists Gabam as National Chairman, with Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, and other NWC members including Hajia Maggie Mariam as National Treasurer and Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser, with "By Co
Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Lyon in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final on Sunday. Lyon initially took the lead in the 18th minute with a goal from Jule Brand. However, Arsenal equalized shortly before the hour mark due to an own goal from Ingrid Engen, following a mishandle by goalkeeper Christiane Endler. Arsenal then took the lead in the 83rd minute when Olivia Smith capitalized on another defensive error. The two teams will play the second leg in Lyon next weekend. Last season, Arsenal defeated Lyon at the same stage and went on to win the trophy.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, met with Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday. This meeting is part of Hamzat's ongoing consultations for the 2027 governorship race. Hamzat stated on his X account that the engagement was a platform to review the state's progress and discuss collaborative efforts to strengthen Lagos. Gbajabiamila also posted on his X handle, confirming the visit was for consultations regarding Hamzat's aspiration to lead Lagos. He added that they would continue to share ideas on moving Lagos forward and building on past work. This meeting follows other early-stage political consultations by the deputy governor, including one with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has previously expressed support for Hamzat’s governorship bid.
Nigerian gospel singer Salau Olayiwola, known as Testimony Jaga, has publicly disagreed with former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo regarding his comments on the prosperity gospel. Osinbajo had stated that there is no distinct "prosperity gospel," asserting that the Christian message is singular and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. He argued that attempts to separate prosperity from the gospel distort its essence, emphasizing that the New Testament contains only one gospel. In a video, Testimony Jaga acknowledged that there is only one gospel but questioned the framing of Osinbajo's comments in a country facing economic hardship. Jaga asked about Osinbajo's actions to address poverty as a politician and stressed that the gospel should offer hope and upliftment to struggling citizens, not condemnation. He also challenged Osinbajo to demonstrate tangible impact from his public office and ministry, asking for evidence of support for the poor or meaningful development. While recognizing excesses in religious circles, Jaga maintained that such abuses should not overshadow the core message of Christianity.