The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, AM, on Monday, 8 December 2025, officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the Chief of the Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection (CASI 2025), codenamed Exercise ERU OBODO. The ceremony took place onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship KADA at the Naval Base, Lagos.
The flag-off marks the beginning of a significant operational assessment geared toward evaluating fleet readiness, personnel proficiency, and the Nigerian Navy’s capacity to conduct maritime security operations in response to evolving national and regional threats.
In his address, the CNS reaffirmed the Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment. He noted that Exercise ERU OBODO is structured to test the operational effectiveness of participating naval platforms, boost inter-agency coordination, and strengthen the Service’s capability to respond swiftly and effectively to maritime challenges.
Vice Admiral Abbas emphasized that the exercise demonstrates the Navy’s resolve to maintain a well-trained, well-equipped, and mission-ready force dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and ensuring national stability.
Providing a detailed operational overview, the Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE) and Chief of Operations, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum, stated that ERU OBODO will feature a broad spectrum of drills, including fleet manoeuvres, communication exercises, maritime interdiction operations, gunnery practice, and search-and-rescue missions. He noted that CASI remains a vital mechanism for measuring operational standards and identifying areas requiring improvement.
The Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) and Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, outlined the tactical objectives, explaining that the exercise aligns with the CNS Training Directive and supports broader national security goals. He added that the Western Naval Command is fully committed to executing assigned operations with professionalism, precision, and operational excellence.
A total of sixteen (16) naval platforms from across the Nigerian Navy’s Operations Commands are participating in CASI 2025.
The ceremony concluded with the official flag-off by the CNS, the presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph to commemorate the commencement of Exercise ERU OBODO.
CASI 2025 is expected to significantly strengthen the Nigerian Navy’s operational posture and enhance its contribution to national security and maritime governance
