Six Gulf of Guinea countries have launched a Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) to tackle piracy, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, trafficking and other maritime crimes threatening the region’s waters.

The task force, comprising Nigeria, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, was officially flagged off during the 70th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy and the sixth Sea Power for Africa Symposium in Lagos.

This was contained in a communiqué adopted by the Chiefs of Naval Staff and Coastguards of the pioneering countries of the CMTF, made available to journalists in Abuja on June 15, 2026.

The Chiefs of Naval Staff and Coastguards of the member states said the initiative marks a major step toward securing the Gulf of Guinea through coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing, surveillance and rapid response operations.

They reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating piracy, armed robbery at sea, IUU fishing, maritime pollution, smuggling and other criminal activities affecting maritime trade.

The communiqué commended President Bola Tinubu for presiding over the launch and for providing the first fleet, logistics support, and facilities for the new force’s headquarters in Nigeria.

Member states were directed to commence steps toward full operationalisation, including deployment of assets, budget preparation and coordination with international maritime security organisations.

According to the communiqué, the task force will also work with bodies including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other global partners to strengthen maritime security.

The member states urged other Gulf of Guinea countries to join the initiative, stressing that the CMTF will complement existing regional maritime security structures while avoiding duplication of efforts.

The communiqué added that the launch comes amid renewed regional efforts to protect one of Africa’s most strategic maritime corridors and safeguard shipping, trade and coastal economies.