The Navy of Nigeria sent seven ships and two helicopters on Thursday to help with maritime search and rescue in Nigerian waters.
The deployment also included other facilities and patrol vessels of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, launched the operation named 'Exercise Swift Response' on the Nigerian Navy Ship, KADA.
Hassan stated that the aim of the exercise was to provide efficient maritime search and rescue services to prevent loss of lives and property.
He mentioned, “This exercise includes the use of suitable naval assets, equipped for maritime disaster management operations.
The goal of the exercise is to contribute to the safety of lives at sea in Nigeria’s maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea by responding promptly to maritime accidents.
“The exercise will allow ships in the western fleet to improve their information-sharing capabilities through effective communication and to test their abilities for carrying out rescue missions at sea.
It will also evaluate the Navy's capabilities in surveillance and special air operations, among other things.