UK Royal Navy warship,HMS Trent has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, with the aim of supporting Nigeria’s endeavors to combat maritime crimes effectively.
Gatekeepers News reports that after the warship’s arrival on Sunday, Tim Langford, the commanding officer of HMS Trent, said that this deployment offers a valuable opportunity for the UK navy to collaborate closely with their Nigerian counterparts to enhance maritime security in the region.
The ship’s arrival signifies the Royal Navy’s commitment to providing capacity training and maritime assistance to tackle issues such as sea piracy and illegal trafficking.
“The Royal Navy has a long history of engagement within the region and an enduring partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Langford said.
“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.”
On his part, Jonny Baxter, UK deputy high commissioner in Lagos, said a secure environment will support trade, investment, 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 “conduct maritime security patrols as well as support partner navies” in West Africa.
