Nigeria, France Step Up Maritime Security Ties in Gulf of Guinea
Nigeria and France have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper defence and maritime security cooperation, with a renewed focus on improving surveillance and safety across the Gulf of Guinea.
The partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the West and Central French African Command, Major General Pascal Ianni, to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. Major General Ianni was accompanied by the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General A.G. Laka, and other senior officials.
Discussions during the meeting centred on expanding collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the French Armed Forces, particularly in maritime domain awareness, personnel training, capacity building, and joint responses to regional security challenges.
Major General Ianni described Nigeria as a strategic and reliable ally in the fight against transnational crimes such as piracy, illegal trafficking, and other threats to maritime safety. He stressed that sustained cooperation, shared intelligence, and coordinated action among regional partners are vital to achieving long-term security in West and Central Africa’s maritime corridors.
He also reiterated France’s commitment to supporting collective security initiatives with African nations, noting that effective partnerships remain key to stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas welcomed the French delegation and underscored the importance of continued professional engagement between both navies. He said strengthening operational capacity and institutional ties would contribute significantly to safer seas and improved regional security.
The naval chief further highlighted the enduring relationship between Nigeria and France, pointing to joint exercises such as Exercise CROCODILE LIFT as important avenues for boosting interoperability and enhancing coordinated maritime operations in the region.