In pursuance of the mandate of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian Navy will today conduct a major fleet evaluation exercise code named "Exercise Farauta", an Hausa word for hunting, at the Niger Delta region.

According to the Command Information Officer of the Western Naval Command, Lieutenant Jerry Omodara, the aim of the exercise is to intensify the ongoing naval operations in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by the Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor, for the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, the operation would place emphasis on Bonny-Akassa-Escravos axis, an area which he said is notorious for crude oil theft.

He said, "The exercise will enable the Nigerian Navy to assess its operational capability with a view to identifying gaps and taking necessary measures to fill such gaps for enhanced operational readiness.