Strengthening Defence Ties
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel RFA Lyme Bay arrived in Lagos on October 31, 2024, as part of a defence engagement tour in West Africa. This visit aims to bolster regional maritime security under the framework of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, established earlier this year. The tour will also include stops in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
Joint Training Exercises Planned
While in Nigeria, the crew of RFA Lyme Bay will engage in joint training exercises with the Nigerian Navy, focusing on enhancing maritime capability and interoperability. UK Royal Marines onboard will lead boarding and search drills alongside their Nigerian counterparts, contributing to a broader initiative to improve Nigeria’s maritime security and defence capabilities.
Showcasing Naval Strength
In addition to training, the ship will host Nigerian dignitaries and provide tours to showcase its operational capabilities. The collaboration aims to strengthen the ties between the UK and Nigeria while enhancing the skills of both navies through shared experiences and knowledge.
Participation in Multinational Exercise
Following its stay in Lagos, RFA Lyme Bay will participate in the multinational exercise Grand African Nemo, a maritime security operation off the Nigerian coast. This exercise will involve naval forces from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and Nigeria, further solidifying the commitment to regional maritime security.
Commitment to Regional Security
Commander Jonathan Howe, the UK’s Deputy Defence Adviser to Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the UK-Nigeria partnership in combating piracy and violent extremism. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to improving regional maritime security and enhancing Nigeria’s ability to address security threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
Building Collaborative Capabilities
Capt. James Wingrove, the Commanding Officer of RFA Lyme Bay, expressed enthusiasm for the visit, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties and improve collaborative skills. He stated, “Training alongside our Nigerian counterparts to enhance our capabilities and demonstrate interoperability is extremely valuable.” The deployment follows the renewal of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership in February 2024, addressing various regional security challenges.
Follow us on Socials: