Navy Seeks Danish Support to Secure Gulf of Guinea

Navy Seeks Danish Support to Secure Gulf of Guinea

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has intensified efforts to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, calling for deeper collaboration with Denmark as part of a broader multinational initiative to tackle threats in the region.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, following a meeting at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit of the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jen Ole Bach Hansen, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing a coordinated maritime security framework for the region.

The Gulf of Guinea, which stretches along the West and Central African coastline from Senegal to Angola, is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.

It serves as a major route for international trade, including crude oil exports from countries like Nigeria, and has historically been a hotspot for piracy, sea robbery and illegal fishing.

Vice Admiral Abbas noted that relations between Nigeria and Denmark have improved significantly in recent years, particularly in maritime cooperation, adding that the safety of the Gulf remains critical to global commerce.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to guaranteeing a secure maritime environment to sustain global trade,” he said, stressing that international collaboration is key to addressing evolving security challenges.

A major highlight of the engagement was the proposed Combined Maritime Task Force, expected to commence operations by mid-2026.

The naval chief described the initiative as a coalition of partner nations aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and strengthening joint responses to threats across the region.

He called for robust Danish support towards the take-off and long-term sustainability of the task force, noting that such cooperation would help consolidate recent gains against maritime crimes.

The naval chief also extended an invitation to the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s International Fleet Review, aimed at boosting interoperability and strengthening naval partnerships.

In his response, Ambassador Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy.

He acknowledged improvements in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and expressed Denmark’s readiness to support initiatives that promote stability and collective security in the region.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration to ensure safer waters and protect one of the world’s most strategic maritime zones.