The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on maritime crime, particularly crude oil theft, with the launch of Exercise Fleet Sentinel. This significant two-day exercise, flagged off by Rear Admiral Pakiribo Anabraba representing the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aims to assess and enhance the Navy's operational readiness and combat capability against evolving maritime threats. Conducted collaboratively by the Eastern and Central Naval Commands, the exercise involves tactical operations using various naval assets to test interoperability and joint capabilities. Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, emphasized the exercise's role in dismantling illegal refining networks in the Niger Delta and securing commercial maritime activities, building upon lessons from Exercise Obangame Express 2026.