The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reiterated the
Nigerian Navy’s leadership role in shaping a coordinated multinational
maritime security architecture for the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), and called for strategic Danish support towards this effort.
Speaking when he received Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, the CNS highlighted the
significant improvement in Nigeria–Denmark defence relations, particularly in
the maritime domain.
He noted Denmark’s critical reliance on the GoG for
international shipping and emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to
guaranteeing a secure maritime environment to sustain global trade.
A statement signed by Naval spokesperson Navy Captain Abiodu Folorunsho stated that “central to the engagement was the forthcoming Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), scheduled to commence operations mid 2026.”
The CNS described the
CMTF as a coalition of like-minded nations designed to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen collective response capability, and consolidate
gains against maritime threats in the region.
He advocated for Danish support in the operationalisation and long-term sustainment of the initiative.
The CNS also extended an invitation to the Danish Navy to participate in the
Nigerian Navy’s International Fleet Review, as part of efforts to deepen
interoperability and strategic naval cooperation.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s
commitment to an expanded partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy, noting that bilateral cooperation has advanced significantly since 2024.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress in maritime security and underscored
Denmark’s interest in strengthening collaboration to advance collective security outcomes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation
aimed at ensuring a secure and stable maritime domain in the Gulf of Guinea.