Nigerian Navy Teams Up With Togo And Benin Republic For Week-Long Exercise Against Gulf Of Guinea Criminals

Nigerian Navy Teams Up With Togo And Benin Republic For Week-Long Exercise Against Gulf Of Guinea Criminals

The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the navies of Togo and Benin Republic, has completed a week-long deployment of air and sea assets aimed at curbing criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). This sub-regional exercise, known as “Safe Domain III,” involved countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission Zone E….. CONTINUE READING

The operation, which commenced last Monday in Cotonou, Benin Republic, featured the deployment of ships and helicopters for four days. During this period, the forces conducted simulations and took measures to prevent criminal access to the maritime area.

At the closing ceremony held at the Naval Base Jetty in Cotonou, Commodore Aniedi Aniedu Ibok, Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC), highlighted the importance of improving communication systems and involving Maritime Operational Centers (MOCs) in future operations. Ibok emphasized that despite the official closing ceremony, the operation’s activities would persist as participating ships and assets return to their respective countries for ongoing patrols and information sharing.

Ibok noted, “The closing ceremony marks the end of the launch of OP SAFE DOMAIN III 2024, but the operation continues with ships and assets engaging in daily patrols and collaboration with Member States.”

During the five-day operation, four ships, one defender boat, and one helicopter were deployed. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security through drills and collaboration to address threats such as sea robbery, piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking of various illicit goods.

Captain Idongesit Udoessien, Commanding Officer of Defender Boat (DB) Abuja, who led the participating vessels, commended the operation’s success despite some communication and technical challenges. He recommended ongoing investment in advanced surveillance technology, improved communication infrastructure, and regular joint exercises to bolster maritime security.

Participating vessels included DB Abuja, NNS Kano, Benin Navy Ship Alibore, and Togolese Navy Ship Abuah. Representatives from the Togolese and Beninese navies expressed satisfaction with the operation’s outcomes and emphasized the need for a harmonized communications strategy.

This exercise aligns with the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS), which aims to enhance maritime security and promote economic growth in the subregion.

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