The Nigerian Navy has called for stronger collaboration with Denmark to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Naval chief Idi Abbas made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jen Hansen, at the Naval Headquarters, according to a statement by the navy on Tuesday.

Mr Abbas said Nigeria has positioned its proposed Combined Maritime Task Force as a key multinational initiative to enhance security in the GoG.

He said the initiative was part of efforts to build a coordinated multinational maritime security architecture capable of tackling evolving threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

Mr Abbas noted the growing defence relations between Nigeria and Denmark, particularly in the maritime domain, stressing that the Gulf of Guinea remains critical to international shipping and global trade.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy is committed to ensuring a secure maritime environment that supports economic activities and international commerce.

The CNS disclosed that the Combined Maritime Task Force, scheduled to commence operations by mid-2026, would comprise like-minded nations working together to improve maritime domain awareness and strengthen collective response capabilities.

He called for Danish support in operationalising and sustaining the initiative in the long term.

“The CMTF will consolidate existing gains and provide a more structured and collaborative approach to tackling maritime threats in the region,” he said.

Mr Abbas also invited the Danish Navy to participate in the International Fleet Review, scheduled for later this year, which aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen strategic naval cooperation.

In his response, the Danish ambassador, Hansen, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy.

He said bilateral cooperation between both countries had improved significantly since 2024, particularly in maritime security.

Mr Hansen commended Nigeria’s progress in securing its maritime domain and expressed Denmark’s readiness to deepen collaboration toward achieving shared security objectives in the Gulf of Guinea.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation to ensure a safe, secure and stable maritime environment in the region.

The Gulf of Guinea has remained a major global shipping corridor, with increased multinational efforts to curb piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational maritime crimes.

(NAN)