12th September, 2023
Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger Republic have embarked on a collective mission known as “Operation Safe Domain II” to tackle piracy and maritime crimes within their shared maritime territory, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
This joint initiative is a significant step towards strengthening regional maritime security and promoting prosperity in the area.
The launch of “Operation Safe Domain II” was held at the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E Complex in Cotonou Port Naval Base, Republic of Benin, from September 11 to September 15.
This collaborative effort aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Joint Maritime Operations and Patrols (JMOP) established by the participating nations.
Commodore Aniedi Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E, emphasised that this operation aims to ensure permanent, joint, and coordinated control over Maritime Zone E to enhance maritime safety and security.
It addresses the pressing issue of illicit maritime activities, including piracy and sea robbery, which have had a detrimental impact on economic development and local coastal communities.
Key objectives of the joint patrols and operations include the pooling of resources, interoperability of maritime assets, evaluation of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), and the implementation of the right of hot pursuit. The strategy encompasses research, information exchange, maritime and air surveillance, and the intervention of operational units when necessary.
By fostering cooperation among Zone E countries’ navies and other maritime stakeholders, the operation seeks to enhance capacity in maritime law enforcement operations, intelligence sharing, and technical assistance. These efforts lay the foundation for future joint and combined operations in the region.
Operation Safe Domain II builds upon the successes of its predecessor, “Operation Safe Domain I,” which included achievements such as improved intelligence sharing, the arrest and trial of pirates, and the thwarting of attacks on vessels.
It represents a concerted effort by these West African nations to safeguard their maritime domain, protect their economies, and ensure the safety of their citizens at sea.
The operation encompasses a vast area, spanning 105,746 square nautical miles, and involves the deployment of three ships and a helicopter to patrol and monitor the region. While it represents a challenging undertaking, the collaborative commitment of the participating nations is expected to contribute significantly to the security of lives and property in the Gulf of Guinea, fostering shared prosperity across Zone E’s waters.
High-ranking military officials and representatives from the four countries attended the launch, underscoring their dedication to addressing piracy and maritime crimes collectively.
Brig.-Gen. Fructueux Gbaguidi, Benin’s Chief of Defence Staff, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, emphasising that the success of Operation Safe Domain I had paved the way for the current operation.
Captain Jean Le’on Olatoundji, Chief of Naval Staff for the Benin Republic, highlighted the necessity of international collaboration to combat piracy effectively. He lauded the commitment of member countries to confront maritime threats in the region.
Commodore Richard Shammah, Director of the Regional Maritime Security Coordination Centre, West Africa, stressed the importance of enhancing maritime security for economic prosperity.
“Countries are now becoming more aware of the great economic importance that the sea has to their various economies.
“So, for us to have economic prosperity at sea, we must have a safe and secured Maritime domain.
“This operation is necessary so that we can have a sea line of communication and trade, and no one country can do it alone, hence the collaborative effort.
He emphasised that no single country can achieve this alone, underscoring the significance of collaborative endeavours to create safe sea lines of communication and trade.
NAN