To consolidate the success recorded in securing the Gulf of Guinea (GOG), the Nigerian Navy and its counterparts from Republic of Benin, Togo and Republic of Niger yesterday deployed four warships, one logistics vessel and one helicopter for the maritime security operation, codenamed Safe Domain III.
The operation, launched in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, will see sub-regional naval forces work together to suppress any threats in the maritime domain of member countries.
Flagging off the operation yesterday, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala said the operation would improve security. He said member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Zone E have resolved to keep the entire region off the piracy blacklist.
“You know we had Secure Domain 1 in 2021 and Secure Domain 2 in 2023. Today, we are setting sail with four ships, two from the Nigerian Navy and one from the Benin Navy, and one from the Togolese Navy.
“We have land forces such as the gendarmerie from the Niger Navy, while we have special forces and helicopters from the Nigerian Navy. This operation is carried out by the navies of the subregion together. The logistics and coordination were entirely done by the participating countries.
“The main objective of this operation is to enhance safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea, especially in the area covered by these countries. Ultimately, this is a learning process. We are learning lessons as we go, we hope there will be better cooperation among Zone E member countries, faster information sharing and also we hope to move better towards eliminating maritime crimes.”
“This exercise is part of a collective effort towards eliminating maritime crimes from our waters. It is part of the initiative that led to our removal from the list of piracy-prone areas and by extension, removal of war-risk insurance.
“It is also worth mentioning that SAFE DOMAIN I was conducted in collaboration with our international partners and friends in the GoG, SAFE DOMAIN II and the one we are about to launch were entirely sponsored by Zone E Member States.
“This shows that member countries are now taking ownership of the initiative and responsibility to protect and safeguard their marine environment,” said Ogalla who was represented by Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammad Hassan.
According to CNS, the deployed ships will operate with real-time information and surveillance, and added that where they are unable to patrol, the maritime domain infrastructure will monitor and alert the ships' hub about suspicious areas.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC), Commodore Anidi Ibok, commended the collective resolve of the participants in achieving a safe maritime environment in West Africa.
“…I am pleased to report that since the launch of ‘OP Safe Domain’, the story of maritime insecurity has changed positively from 49 reported incidents of piracy in 2018 to two in 2023. This is due to the efforts and deliberate actions of the ECOWAS Commission, Zone E Member States and international partners, such as the European Union, UNODC, USA, Denmark, Germany and France, which have made it possible to adopt a coordinated approach to fighting maritime crimes in our waters.
“The Centre successfully conducted Operation Safe Domain I and II in 2021 and 2023, with very good results…
“Recently, the zone has been at the forefront of investigations of some important vessels such as MV Gratitude, MV Big Majesty, MV Udem and several others.
“It is also pertinent to mention that MMCC Zone E has been a key participant in the planning and implementation of several internationally organised maritime exercises in the region.
“Operation Safe Domain III, themed ‘Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Cooperation’, is an important milestone in our collective effort to address the challenges of piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of our waters.
“This initiative is testimony to our commitment as ECOWAS Member States to work together in a coordinated and collaborative manner to secure our maritime domain and ensure the well-being of our people.”
Commodore Richard Sharma, Director of the ECOWAS Regional Maritime Security Coordination Centre (RMSCC), Abidjan, said the operation was a step in the right direction. “We have been doing operations like this supported and coordinated by our foreign partners. But now, we are able to carry out operations like this using our own resources within the sub-region. “These countries are able to come together on their own to conduct this operation, which is the whole essence of why we are promoting this kind of maritime coordination.
He said, “This is a very laudable project and will help curb all the dangers present in the sea.”
The special guest, the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Benin, Fortunate Alain Nouatine, was represented by Brigadier General Sonny Bachabi, Cabinet Director of the Ministry of Defence, The Nation reports.
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