Kochi. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy (CNSNN), accompanied by a four-member delegation, paid an official visit to Kochi from July 18- 19, consolidating the existing strong bilateral naval relations between the two countries.

Vice Admiral AR Karve, PVSM, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Southern Naval Command (SNC) held a discussion with the CNS, Nigerian Navy over training related issues and other areas of common interest.

The CNSNN was received by Rear Admiral K Swaminathan, Chief Staff Officer (CSO) – Training, on his arrival at the naval air station, INS Garuda. The Admiral was given an overview of training activities conducted by SNC.

He visited Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 342 UAV (unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Squadron, the Water Survival Training Facility, Ship Handling Simulator and the Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini. During his visit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy also interacted with Nigerian Naval personnel who are undergoing training with the Indian Navy at Kochi.

Interestingly, CNSNN has also undergone Sub Lieutenant Technical Courses at INS Venduruthy, from April 1983 to May 1984.​

Discussions between SNC and the Nigerian delegation; Visit of the Nigerean delegation to the UAV squadron

India traditionally has enjoyed warm relations with Nigeria, due to shared historical and cultural links. In the recent past, India-Nigeria relations have shown an upswing and defence cooperation, in particular, has expanded in scope and content, through increased number of ship visits, high level delegation visits and training exchanges. However, there exist further avenues for cooperation between the two countries in areas related to training, joint exercises, supply and manufacture of military hardware and allied equipment.

The CNS, Nigerian Navy had visited Mumbai on July 17 prior to arriving at Kochi and departed July 19.