UK warship lands Nigeria to support fight against illegal maritime activities

By : James Agberebi

Date: 11 September 2023 4:12pm WAT

Australia warship–royal-australian-navy-navy-ships

This February 5, 2015 handout photo released by the Ministry of Defence in London on August 12, 2019, shows Britain’s HMS Kent as the Type 23 frigate warship carries out duties off the coast of Djibouti. – Britain’s HMS Kent left Portsmouth Naval Base on August 12, 2019, to take over duties in the Strait of Hormuz from Type 45 defender HMS Duncan. Britain said earlier this month it would join the United States in an “international maritime security mission” to protect merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tension with Iran. The move follows a spate of incidents — including the seizure of ships — involving Iran and Western powers, in particular Britain and the US, centred on the vital Gulf thoroughfare. (Photo by HO / MOD / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT ” AFP PHOTO / CROWN COPYRIGHT 2015 ” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS – NO ARCHIVE – TO BE USED WITHIN 2 DAYS FROM AUGUST 12, 2019, EXCEPT FOR MAGAZINES WHICH CAN PRINT THE PICTURE WHEN FIRST REPORTING ON THE EVENT /

A United Kingdom (UK) Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, on Sunday arrived in Lagos to support Nigeria’s efforts in fighting crimes on the sea.

While in Nigeria, the Royal Navy will help to deliver capacity training and maritime support in tackling sea piracy and illegal trafficking.

According to Tim Langford, HMS Trent’s commanding officer, the visit is an opportunity for the UK navy to work with their Nigerian counterparts.

“The Royal Navy has a long history of engagement within the region and an enduring partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“This is an opportunity for the Royal Navy and the Nigerian Navy to work together in order for us to identify possible solutions in the maritime environment and counter insecurity on the high sea.

“We are together to understand the lessons that all nations have identified individually and share the lessons with each other.”

UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos,Jonny Baxter, said a secure environment will support trade, investments, and prosperity between the two countries.

“Nigeria is an important and valued defence partner for the UK in West Africa,” Baxter said.

“Our two countries face many shared threats and we are keen to work with Nigeria to defeat these and to help improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.”

In 2021, the warship was in Lagos to carry out maritime security patrols and support partner navies in West Africa.
[ad unit=2]