By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s leadership role in advancing a coordinated multinational maritime security framework for the Gulf of Guinea, while seeking stronger collaboration with Denmark to sustain the initiative.
Abbas made this known during a meeting with Jen Ole Bach Hansen at Naval Headquarters in Abuja, where both sides discussed deepening defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval chief highlighted the steady improvement in Nigeria–Denmark defence relations, noting Denmark’s reliance on the Gulf of Guinea for international shipping and Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring a secure maritime environment for global trade.
At the centre of discussions was the planned Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), expected to commence operations in mid-2026. Abbas described the initiative as a coalition of like-minded nations aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness, strengthening joint response capabilities, and consolidating gains against piracy and other maritime threats in the region.
He called for Danish support in the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the task force, stressing that collective action remains critical to securing the Gulf of Guinea.
The naval chief also invited the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s forthcoming International Fleet Review, describing it as an opportunity to deepen interoperability and strategic cooperation among partner navies.
In his response, Ambassador Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy, noting that bilateral relations have grown significantly since 2024.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security and expressed Denmark’s readiness to strengthen collaboration in pursuit of shared security objectives in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to sustained engagement and strategic cooperation to ensure a safer and more stable maritime domain in the region.
