Nigeria, UK to improve maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea

By Abiodun OBA

The integrated training achieved over the past few days between Nigeria and United Kingdom maritime sectors will allow them to work increasingly closely in improving maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.

The Royal Navy warship – HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford said.

This is as the HMS Trent concluded her visit to Nigeria where she supported maritime security in the region, helping the Nigerian Navy develop critical capabilities to fight illegal crimes at sea, encompassing piracy, illicit trafficking, and other illegal activities.

During the ship’s 5-day visit to Nigeria, the Royal Marines boarding team trained closely with the Nigerian Navy on all aspects of vessel boarding, search and seizure, and firefighting demonstrations conducted by her Ship’s Company.

HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford said: “It has been a pleasure to witness the strengthening of the relationship between my Ship’s Company and our friends and partners in the Nigerian Navy.

“We can achieve so much more when we work together, and the integrated training achieved over the past few days will allow our two nations to work increasingly closely in improving maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.”

Alongside the training events, HMS Trent hosted a Maritime Domain Awareness Exchange Programme which had senior leadership members of the Nigerian Navy in attendance.

HMS Trent also had the pleasure of supporting a reception hosted in honour of the UK’s Nigerian friends, defence partners and members of the diplomatic community.

UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, said: “We are pleased to see a new phase of cooperation between the UK’s Royal Navy and 42 Commando and the Nigerian Navy. This reiterates the UK’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria’s armed forces to deal with illegal activities at sea in the Gulf of Guinea.

“Thanks to Commander Tim Langford and the entire crew of the Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent for their visit to Lagos, Nigeria. Good luck in your operations on combating piracy, the illegal wildlife trade and maritime security more broadly.”

After leaving Lagos, HMS Trent and 42 Commando will head to Ghana to continue to train Gulf of Guinea allies to bring stability to wider West Africa.