Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger Republic have jointly launched “Operation Safe Domain II” to combat piracy and maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. The operation aims to enhance maritime security through regional collaboration and covers a total water area of 105,746 square nautical miles.
The Director of Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre Zone E, Commodore Aniedi Ibok, stated that the operation is sponsored by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and member states of Zone E due to the high rate of illicit maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea and West African waters. These security challenges have undermined economic development in the region and endangered the livelihoods of coastal communities and seafarers.
Operation Safe Domain II will involve routine policing duties at sea, including maritime and air surveillance, intervention of operational units when necessary, and the right of hot pursuit as defined by the rules of engagement. The operation aims to restrict the activities of pirates and maritime criminals and strengthen cooperation among Zone E countries’ navies and other maritime actors.
The launch of this joint operation reflects the shared commitment of the four countries to address piracy and maritime crime in their maritime domain and promote economic prosperity through a safe and secure maritime environment.