12 Sep UK ship arrives in Nigeria to support Maritime Security

The HMS Trent arrived in Lagos on Sunday to aid Maritime Security Operations.

In a statement released by the British High Commission, HMS Trent’s arrival in Lagos has been confirmed. The warship is in the area to assist local forces against illegal activities such as piracy and illicit trafficking which has become rampant in the sub-region of Nigeria.

“The visit will help deliver capacity training and support maritime security in the region,” the statement read.

HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford, said, “It is an honour for HMS TRENT to return to Nigeria, an important visit on the Ship’s three-month deployment to West Africa. We are excited to work with our partner nations as we strive for a long-term solution to maritime insecurity across the region”.

The Royal Navy has an extensive history within the region, with strong relationships built in Lagos from missions throughout the years, including in 2021.

“The Royal Navy has a long history of engagement within the region and an enduring partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. My team are really looking forward to the opportunity to work with their Nigerian counterparts and build on the relationships established when we visited Lagos in 2021.”

The deployment contributes to a wider international effort from the Friends of the Gulf of Guinea, an organisation that aims to bring stability to the region through continued maritime operations, securing future trade routes in the process.