# Obangame Express 2023 maritime exercise underway in Lagos

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/01/obangame-express-2023-maritime-exercise-underway-in-lagos/
- Published: 2023-01-26T07:43:54+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Obangame Express (OE23), the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western 
and Central Africa is underway in Lagos, Nigeria.

The multinational maritime exercise kicked off its 12th year with 32 participating
nations on 23 January, and features both in-port and at-sea training scenarios including
maritime operations centre familiarization and exchanges on medical care, search
and rescue operations, and boarding techniques, US Naval Forces Europe and Africa
said.

“Illicit maritime activity threatens regional development efforts, weakens state
security, and robs our African partners of the precious resources upon which they
rely for economic growth and effective governance,” said Admiral Stuart B Munsch,
commander, US Naval Forces Europe-Africa. “Exercise Obangame Express is an important
opportunity to improve our collective capabilities, build trust between our nations,
and promote stability in a vitally important part of the world.”

[Obangame Express 2023](https://www.military.africa/2023/01/all-set-for-obangame-express-2023-international-maritime-exercise/),
one of three Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF)-facilitated regional exercises, provides
collaborative opportunities for African and US forces, and international partners
to address shared transnational maritime concerns, the US Navy said, adding NAVAF’s
ongoing maritime security cooperation with African partners focuses on overcoming
the challenges of maritime safety and security in the region.

“The exercise is an opportunity for like-minded partners to work together to develop
African-led solutions to shared transnational challenges and promote global security.”

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“Nigeria, Obangame Express 23’s host, is an important partner of the United States
in promoting a peaceful, well-policed Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria also maintains the
largest navy in the Gulf of Guinea region and is critical to security and stability
in Africa.”

“Obangame Express 2023 reflects the United States’ continued dedication to our partners
in the Gulf of Guinea as they strive to secure their people, their economies, and
their resources. We are delighted that Nigeria is hosting this military exercise,
as we firmly believe that maritime security in Nigeria and its neighbors will lead
to greater prosperity for the region as a whole,” said Mary Beth Leonard, US Ambassador
to Nigeria.

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The exercise takes place across five zones in the southern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf
of Guinea – stretching from the West African island of Cabo Verde to the Central
African shores of Angola, including the Economic Community of West African States(
ECWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

The 32 nations participating include Angola, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon,
Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, The
Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands,
Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra
Leone, Spain, Togo, and the United States. Also participating will be the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central 
African States (ECCAS).

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