By Peter Omopo
Nigeria has secured commitments from five West African countries to operationalise the regional Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) as part of efforts to strengthen security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The development was reached at the fifth meeting of the Sub-Committee of Chiefs of the Naval Staff under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Accra, Ghana, from February 16 to 20.
Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone expressed interest in joining Nigeria to operationalise the task force, which is scheduled for inauguration in Lagos from May 31 to June 1.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, led Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting, where regional naval chiefs reviewed ongoing maritime security operations and agreed on steps to fast-track the deployment of the CMTF.
To support the take-off of the initiative, the Nigerian Navy has committed three ships, one helicopter, eight vehicles and office facilities in Lagos.
Speaking during the meeting, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, urged member states to deepen collaboration in tackling terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. He also called for improved coordination with landlocked countries facing challenges linked to transnational organised crime.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, participants assessed progress made under the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy, including joint patrols across designated maritime zones.
The statement added that Nigeria’s Falcon Eye surveillance system was highlighted as a critical asset in efforts to curb maritime crime and enhance domain awareness in the Gulf of Guinea.
The planned inauguration of the Combined Maritime Task Force is expected to mark a significant step in regional cooperation aimed at securing vital sea lanes and safeguarding economic activities across West Africa.
