The Royal Fleet’s auxiliary ship RFA Lyme Bay arrived in Lagos on Wednesday as part of a trans-West African defense engagement tour aimed at strengthening maritime security in the region.
The visit builds on the UK-Nigeria Security and Defense Partnership framework, established earlier this year, and includes visits to Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
This was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Senior Press and Public Relations Officer of the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Ndidiamaka Eze.
While in Nigeria, RFA Lyme Bay’s crew will conduct joint training with the Nigerian Navy focusing on maritime capabilities and interoperability.
Royal Marines on board will lead a boarding and search exercise with Nigerian marines as part of a wider effort to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security and defense capabilities.
The ship will also host Nigerian dignitaries and offer tours to showcase its capabilities.
Following the visit to Lagos, RFA Lyme Bay will take part in the multilateral exercise Grand African Nemo, a maritime security exercise off the coast of Nigeria involving the navies of Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Nigeria.
Commander-in-Chief Jonathan Howe, UK Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the UK-Nigeria partnership in tackling piracy and violent extremism.
Mr Howe said: “The UK is committed to improving maritime security in the region and strengthening Nigeria’s ability to suppress security threats, from piracy to violent extremist organisations.” said.
“This deployment demonstrates our commitment to working together with the Nigerian government to address common international security challenges and contribute to improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.”
RFA Lyme Bay Commander, Captain James Wingrove, described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties and hone skills through collaboration.
“It is a great honor to have RFA Lyme Bay in Nigeria.
“The opportunity for my ship squadron and crew to visit the region presents exciting prospects, while training alongside our Nigerian peers to sharpen skills, improve capabilities and demonstrate interoperability.” The ability to do that is invaluable,” said Colonel Wingrove.
The deployment follows the renewal of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defense Partnership in February 2024, which also addresses counter-terrorism, cyber security, multi-agency responses to kidnapping and other regional threats.
