A Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday, marking its second visit to the country as part of a regional mission to combat illegal activities, including piracy and illicit trafficking. The British High Commission confirmed that the visit aims to provide capacity training and support maritime security in the region.
The HMS Trent, which departed from Gibraltar, is equipped with an expert boarding team of UK Royal Marines and a Puma surveillance drone. Its mission is to assist West African allies in developing the capability to combat maritime crimes and contribute to stability in the wider West Africa region.
With approximately £6 billion of UK trade passing through the area, HMS Trent plays a crucial role in enhancing security by conducting patrols, fostering partnerships, and sharing knowledge. Commander Tim Langford, the ship’s Commanding Officer, emphasized the Royal Navy’s long-standing engagement in the region and the enduring partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, highlighted the importance of Nigeria as a valued defense partner in West Africa. He emphasized the shared security threats and the commitment to collaborate with Nigeria to address these challenges and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This deployment signifies the United Kingdom’s dedication to addressing international security challenges and its commitment to working with partners like Nigeria in tackling shared threats.