The UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel, RFA Lyme Bay, has docked at Premier Port, Apapa Quays, Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership.
This partnership aims to strengthen regional maritime security through a Defence Engagement program across West African partner nations.
The UK’s Deputy Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Commander Jonathan Howe, highlighted the UK’s commitment to bolstering regional maritime security and empowering Nigeria to counter security threats such as piracy and violent extremist organizations.
The RFA Lyme Bay’s arrival in Nigeria is a testament to the UK’s dedication to collaborating with the Nigerian government on shared international security challenges and enhancing safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
Captain James Wingrove, Commanding Officer of RFA Lyme Bay, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to train with the Nigerian Navy. The ship’s crew, along with UK Royal Marines boarding and search teams, will engage in maritime capability training and conduct interoperability exercises with their Nigerian counterparts.
During its stay in Nigeria, the RFA Lyme Bay will host various Defence Engagement activities, including ship tours, events for national dignitaries, displays of the vessel’s capabilities, and training sessions aimed at enhancing the skills and operational synergy between UK and Nigerian naval forces.
Additionally, the RFA Lyme Bay will participate in a multinational maritime security exercise with Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Nigerian naval forces off the coast of Nigeria.
The UK-Nigeria partnership encompasses various areas, including defence cooperation, policing, maritime and cyber security, multi-agency response to kidnappings, and counter-terrorism.
This collaboration builds on historical ties and a shared commitment to democratic governance principles.
The partnership has been strengthened through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, which was first held in London in 2022 and again in Abuja in 2024.
The UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s security and defence is evident in the various agreements and initiatives undertaken by both nations.
The UK has pledged to support Nigeria in tackling Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram, and to work together to improve civilian policing standards, protect human rights, and recognize the important role of women in achieving sustainable peace.
