In a significant development for maritime security in the region, the Royal Navy warship, HMS Trent, made its arrival in Lagos on Sunday, September 10, with a mission to combat illegal activities such as piracy and illicit trafficking.

The British High Commission revealed that this marked the second visit of HMS Trent to Nigeria. Departing from Gibraltar, the vessel carried a team of expert boarding personnel from the UK Royal Marines and a Puma surveillance drone.

HMS Trent’s primary objective is to provide support to West African partners in enhancing their capabilities to combat unlawful activities at sea and contribute to stability in the broader West African region.

ALSO READ: UK govt. moves to designate Wagner Group as a terrorist organization

The warship’s mission also extends to promoting stability across the Gulf of Guinea by offering training to assist partner navies in tackling criminal elements, fostering collaborative relationships, sharing knowledge, and conducting patrols to bolster security.

Commander Tim Langford, the Commanding Officer of HMS Trent, expressed his thoughts on the ship’s visit to Nigeria, stating, “It is an honor for HMS Trent to return to Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment during the ship’s three-month deployment to West Africa.

We are enthusiastic about collaborating with our partner nations as we work toward a lasting solution to maritime insecurity in the region.”

He added, “The Royal Navy has a rich history of engagement in the region and a strong partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

My team is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate with their Nigerian counterparts and build upon the relationships forged during our previous visit to Lagos in 2021.”