- Tinubu to Launch AU Maritime Task Force Against Terrorism, Piracy
- Pushes ECOWAS Border Alliance Against Terror, Cross-Border Crimes
- AU Approves Gulf of Guinea Maritime Task Force
President Bola Tinubu is set to launch the African Union’s combined maritime task force next month as part of efforts to combat terrorism, piracy and transnational crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the multinational security initiative, headquartered in Lagos, is expected to strengthen maritime security cooperation among African nations operating within the over 6,000-kilometre Gulf of Guinea corridor.
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The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, disclosed this through the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, during a news conference marking activities for the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
According to Abbas, the launch by President Tinubu would formally signal the operationalisation of the task force, which already has participation from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
“The President will personally conduct the trooping and presentation of colours to the Nigerian Navy and commission three vessels into the service of the Nigerian Navy,” Abbas said.
He also revealed that Tinubu would preside over an international fleet review at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of the anniversary celebrations.
The African Union Peace and Security Council had on April 23, 2025, endorsed the combined maritime task force as a standing and rapidly deployable force for the Gulf of Guinea.
Abbas further announced that Nigeria would host the 6th edition of the Sea Power for Africa Symposium (SPAS), themed: “Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Maritime Security in Africa.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria has also renewed calls for stronger regional border cooperation to tackle terrorism and cross-border crimes within West Africa.
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, represented by the Head of Cross Border Cooperation, Farouk Tarfa, stated this during the Annual Regional Stakeholders Meeting on ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation held in Abuja.
The regional meeting, organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), brought together delegates from Nigeria, Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
Speaking during a plenary session, Tarfa said Nigeria was the first country in the region to establish the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.
He explained that the initiative had become critical in addressing rising border security threats while promoting social cohesion and economic integration among border communities.
According to him, the programme encourages information sharing, joint development of trans-boundary resources, coordinated security operations and integrated health management systems among member states.
Tarfa added that the initiative was helping ECOWAS move from being merely a “Community of States” to a “Community of People.”
FURTHER READING
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- Lagos Govt Cautions Residents Against ‘Ata Esha’ Consumption
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