The Nigerian Navy, along with counterparts from Benin Republic, Togo, and the Republic of Niger, has deployed four warships, a logistics vessel, and a helicopter for the maritime security operation codenamed Safe Domain II to consolidate the gains in securing the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

The opening ceremony of Operation Safe Domain III was held today at the Port of Cotonou. The event marked the commencement of the third iteration of the combined maritime security operation within the Multinational Maritime Coordination Zone E. This zone includes the Benin Republic, Nigeria, Togo, and Niger.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla highlighted the significance of Operation Safe Domain, emphasizing its role in addressing the maritime security challenges that once plagued the Gulf of Guinea. He recalled the previous operations, Safe Domain I and II, conducted in November 2021 and September 2023, respectively, and acknowledged the progress made in combating piracy, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes in the region.

“The Gulf of Guinea no longer bears the tag of one of the most dangerous waters in the world,” stated Rear Admiral Hassan. “While we may not be where we want to be yet in terms of maritime safety and security, we have moved past the darkest days when maritime criminals operated in the Gulf of Guinea with impunity.”

He attributed the success of these operations to the coordinated efforts of the ECOWAS, maritime security stakeholders, and international partners. He noted the transition from international sponsorship to Zone E member states taking full ownership of the initiative, demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring maritime safety and security.

The CNS also acknowledged the support of the Zone E member states’ heads of government and his colleague heads of Service. He expressed gratitude to international partners for their continued support in realizing the objectives of the Yaoundé Accord and Protocol for Maritime Security.

The third iteration of Operation Safe Domain aims to build on the lessons learned from previous operations, enhancing information sharing and collaboration among the participants. Vice Admiral Ogalla encouraged participants to leverage their experiences and expertise for a more seamless and effective operation.

In his opening address, Commodore Aniedi Aniedi Ibok, Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. He emphasized the significance of their presence as a testament to their collective resolve to achieve a secure maritime environment in West Africa.

Commodore Ibok noted that the ECOWAS Maritime Domain has faced numerous transnational maritime security challenges, including piracy, sea robbery, and various forms of trafficking, which have undermined economic development and affected local communities. He highlighted the adoption of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) in 2014, which established a comprehensive maritime security architecture in the region, including the MMCCs in Cotonou, Accra, and Praia.

“The mission of the Centre is to strengthen activities aimed at cooperation, coordination, pooling, and interoperability of resources among Zone E Member States,” stated Commodore Ibok. He also mentioned the significant reduction in maritime crime incidents, from 49 reported piracy cases in 2018 to just 2 in 2023, attributing this success to coordinated efforts by ECOWAS, member states, and international partners.

Commodore Ibok outlined the objectives of Operation Safe Domain III, focusing on enhancing the capacity of navies and maritime security agencies, promoting information exchange and cooperation, and creating a safe environment for maritime commerce. He acknowledged the contributions of Zone E Member States, ECOWAS, and international partners in supporting the Centre’s mission.

The launch of Operation Safe Domain III represents a significant milestone in addressing maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, demonstrating the commitment of ECOWAS Member States to work collaboratively in securing their maritime domain.

Commodore Aniedi Aniedu Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E, set the tone for the operation, highlighting the pressing need for collective action against the multifaceted threats plaguing the region’s maritime domain. These include sea robbery, piracy, IUU fishing, and various forms of trafficking and smuggling, which have stifled economic growth.

Operation Safe Domain III seeks to revolutionize maritime security by pooling resources, enhancing capacity, and fostering cooperation among member states and international partners. The operation’s objectives are threefold: to combat maritime crimes through equipment, training, and intelligence sharing; to promote information exchange and cooperation; and to create a secure environment for maritime commerce, thereby boosting trade and economic growth.

The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of National Defence Mr. Fortunet Alain Nouatin, represented by Brigadier General Sanni Bachabi, commended the collaborative efforts that made Operation Safe Domain III possible. He wished the participants success in achieving the exercise’s objectives.

The event drew a distinguished gathering of VVIPs from the maritime sector: Ministers, Ambassadors, and CNS of participating countries. The ceremony culminated in a symbolic flag-off and group photographs, marking the beginning of a new era in maritime security cooperation.

Operation Safe Domain III stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and a beacon of hope for a safer, more prosperous maritime future in ECOWAS Zone E.

As Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla officially flagged off the operation, he expressed optimism for a successful outcome, fostering better cooperation, faster information exchange, and improved interoperability to ensure the safety and security of the maritime space.