Lagos, Nigeria – Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and shifting global shipping routes, the Nigerian Navy and Spanish Navy have intensified collaboration to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This was disclosed by Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Félix Costales, during the visit of Spanish offshore patrol vessel BAM Furor to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Costales noted that disruptions in the Middle East have led to the rerouting of merchant vessels, increasing the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea in global maritime trade.
“The Gulf of Guinea is gaining increasing importance in maritime traffic globally, especially now, with the situation in the Middle East. Many merchant ships are rerouting, and the Gulf of Guinea is becoming a key player in this new framework of shipping routes,” he said.
He stressed that the development underscores the urgent need to enhance security in the region. “As traffic increases, so does the responsibility to ensure safe navigation,” the ambassador added.
Costales explained that Spain’s engagement in the region aligns with its Africa policy framework, which prioritises West Africa. He noted that Nigeria remains central to the strategy due to its economic and strategic significance.
Corroborating this position, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the Nigerian Navy has continued to deepen collaboration with international partners to improve operational effectiveness.
According to him, the visit of BAM Furor is part of sustained efforts to strengthen naval cooperation and enhance the maritime security architecture in the Gulf of Guinea.
He said the initiative aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which prioritises synergy with partner nations, security agencies, and other stakeholders.
The FOC noted that the Spanish Navy is part of the European Union’s Coordinated Maritime Presence, alongside countries such as Italy, France, Portugal and Denmark, working to combat piracy and support regional frameworks like the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy.
He added that such collaborations have contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries and disclosed that the operationalisation of a Combined Maritime Task Force headquartered in Nigeria would further strengthen joint operations.
“With the coming operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Task Force, operations in the Gulf of Guinea will become more robust and seamless between participating navies,” he said.
The FOC also revealed that joint activities lined up during the visit include Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills, exercises targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as cultural exchanges aimed at fostering cooperation.
Speaking separately, the Commanding Officer of BAM Furor, Ángel Estrada, commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Navy, describing it as impressive.
He said the Spanish delegation would spend five days in Lagos conducting joint military activities to enhance operational capabilities and strengthen ties between both navies.
Estrada added that the deployment forms part of a broader European Union mission across the Gulf of Guinea under the Coordinated Maritime Presence initiative.
He explained that the vessel had previously made port calls in Mauritania, Senegal, Gabon and Ghana, noting that the mission is aimed at supporting regional efforts to ensure maritime security in an area of strategic importance to both Spain and the European Union.
He emphasised that economic and security interests, including oil trade and the fight against maritime crimes, are key drivers of the collaboration.
