Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger Republic have initiated “Operation Safe Domain II” to combat piracy and maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Commodore Aniedi Ibok, Director of Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre Zone E, highlighted the program’s goal of enhancing maritime security through regional cooperation for prosperity during the inauguration on Monday. This event is scheduled to take place from September 11 to 15 at Cotonou Port Naval Base.
In 2013, the Yaoundé Code of Conduct divided the Gulf of Guinea into two regions, each coordinated by a Regional Centre for Maritime Security. In 2014, the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy established maritime zones E, F, and G, with Zone E serving as a pilot project.
The Joint Maritime Operations and Patrols aim to ensure permanent, joint, and coordinated control of Zone E for maritime safety and security, sponsored by ECOWAS and Member States of Zone E due to the high rate of illicit maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea and West African waters.
Commodore Ibok explained that these security challenges undermine economic development and endanger the livelihoods of coastal communities and seafarers. The operation aims to defeat these adversaries and includes objectives such as resource pooling, making maritime resources interoperable, and evaluating Standard Operational Procedures.
The strategy will involve research, information exchange, maritime and air surveillance, and intervention when necessary to enhance safety and security in Zone E’s maritime domain. It will strengthen cooperation among Zone E countries’ navies and other maritime actors.
Ibok also highlighted the successes of Operation SAFE DOMAIN I, including improved intelligence sharing, the arrest and trial of pirates, and foiling of attacks on vessels.
Operation SAFE DOMAIN II will cover a vast water area involving three ships and a helicopter for patrol and monitoring, aiming to restrict pirate and maritime criminal activities.
The collaboration between these countries signifies their collective determination to address piracy threats in the maritime domain, as emphasized by the Chief of Naval Staff of Benin Republic, Captain Jean Le’on Olatoundji.
Overall, the operation’s objectives are to enhance security, promote economic prosperity, and ensure the safety of lives and property in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in Zone E’s waters.
