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Why UK warship is in Nigeria
Global efforts are on to support security in Gulf of Guinea as a United Kingdom (UK) Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, on Sunday arrived in Lagos.
The Royal Navy will help to deliver capacity training and maritime support in tackling sea piracy and illegal trafficking in Nigeria.
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,” he said.
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.
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