, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s leading role in driving a coordinated multinational maritime security framework in the Gulf of Guinea, emphasizing the need for stronger international collaboration.){kind=link}
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s leading role in promoting a coordinated multinational maritime security framework in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
Vice Admiral Abbas emphasised the importance of stronger international collaboration to combat pirates, armed robbers, and other maritime threats, noting that collective action is vital to ensuring safety and stability in the region.
The Navy specifically called for strategic support from Denmark to enhance regional efforts aimed at combating maritime threats and ensuring sustainable security across the GoG.
Speaking during the reception of Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen, Danish ambassador to Nigeria, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted the significant improvement in Nigeria–Denmark defence relations, particularly in the maritime domain.
He noted Denmark’s critical reliance on the GoG for international shipping and emphasised ‘the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to guaranteeing a secure maritime environment to sustain global trade. ‘
Central to the engagement was the forthcoming Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), scheduled to commence operations mid-2026.
Vice Admiral Abbas described the CMTF as ‘a coalition of like-minded nations designed to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen collective response capability, and consolidate gains against maritime threats in the region. ‘
He advocated for Danish support in the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the initiative.
The CNS also extended an invitation to the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s International Fleet Review as part of efforts to deepen interoperability and strategic naval cooperation.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to an expanded partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy, noting that bilateral cooperation has advanced significantly since 2024.
Ambassador Hansen acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress in maritime security and underscored Denmark’s interest in strengthening collaboration to advance collective security outcomes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation aimed at ensuring a secure and stable maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea.