Navy tackles robbery, smuggling in W’Africa
Navy has commenced operations against threats in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) maritime domain. The operation, tagged: “Operation Safe Domain III”, was officially launched on August 5, at the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E conference Centre in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
During the ceremony, themed: “Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Collaboration,” Director of MMCC Zone E, Commodore Aniedi Aniedu Ibok, set the tone for the operation, highlighting the need for collective action against threats the region’s maritime domain.
According to him, the initiative aims at fortifying the blue economy of ECOWAS Zone E through maritime security collaboration. Some of the threats, he highlighted, were sea robbery, piracy, IUU fishing, and various forms of trafficking and smuggling, which had stifled economic growth.
He said: “The operation’s objectives are threefold: to combat maritime crimes through equipment, training, and intelligence sharing; to promote information exchange and cooperation; and to create a secure environment for maritime commerce, thereby boosting trade and economic growth.”
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, represented by the Flag Officer commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MB Hassan, highlighted the operation’s goal of enhancing maritime safety and security across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of National Defence , Republic of Benin, Mr Fortunet Alain Nouatin, represented by Brigadier General Sanni Bachabi, commended the collaborative efforts that made Operation Safe Domain III possible and wished the participants success in achieving the exercise’s objectives.
The event was attended by personalities from the maritime sector: Ministers, ambassadors, and CNS of participating countries.
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