A UK Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, on Sunday, arrived in Lagos to support Nigeria’s efforts in combatting crimes on the sea.
According to a report, the development would enable the Royal Navy to deliver capacity training and maritime support on combating sea piracy and illegal trafficking.
Tim Langford, HMS Trent’s commanding officer, while speaking on the warship deployment, described the visit as an opportunity for the UK Navy to work with their Nigerian counterparts.
Langford said, “The Royal Navy has a long history of engagement within the region and an enduring partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
“This is an opportunity for the Royal Navy and the Nigerian Navy to work together to identify possible solutions in the maritime environment and counter insecurity on the high sea.
“We are together to understand the lessons that all nations have identified individually and share the lessons with each other.”
However, the UK deputy high commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said a secure environment would support trade, investment, and prosperity between the two countries.
“Nigeria is an important and valued defence partner for the UK in West Africa,” Baxter said.
“Our two countries face many shared threats, and we are keen to work with Nigeria to defeat these and to help improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.”
In 2021, the warship was in Lagos to “conduct maritime security patrols as well as support partner navies” in West Africa.