Nigerian Navy Pushes Multinational Maritime Force, Seeks Stronger Danish Partnership

The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea through a coordinated multinational approach, while seeking enhanced collaboration with Denmark.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known during a meeting with the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Jen Ole Bach Hansen, at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
The CNS noted the steady progress in defence relations between Nigeria and Denmark, particularly in the maritime sector. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea to global shipping routes, highlighting Denmark’s dependence on the region for international trade.
Vice Admiral Abbas disclosed that preparations are underway for the launch of a Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), expected to commence operations by mid-2026. He explained that the initiative would bring together like-minded nations to improve maritime domain awareness, enhance joint response capabilities, and sustain recent gains against piracy and other maritime threats.
He further called for Denmark’s support in both the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the task force, stressing that collective action remains critical to securing the region.
As part of efforts to deepen naval cooperation, the CNS also invited the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s upcoming International Fleet Review, aimed at boosting interoperability among partner nations.
In his response, Ambassador Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy. He acknowledged the significant progress made by Nigeria in improving maritime security and expressed Denmark’s readiness to strengthen collaboration towards achieving shared security objectives in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to enhance strategic cooperation in order to maintain a safe and stable maritime environment in the region.