As part of a strategic Defence Engagement initiative, the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel, ‘RFA Lyme Bay,’ has arrived at Lagos’s Premiere Port (Apapa Quays).
This visit, which is part of a broader West African maritime engagement, reinforces the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership established in February 2024.
During the Nigeria stop, ‘RFA Lyme Bay’ is set to conduct various Defence Engagement activities, including ship tours and hosting national dignitaries. The ship’s crew, alongside UK Royal Marines, will lead maritime capability training with Nigerian Navy counterparts, covering boarding techniques, search drills, and interoperability practices. This hands-on exchange aims to enhance maritime security collaboration in the region.
Following the Nigeria visit, ‘RFA Lyme Bay’ will participate in Exercise Grand African Nemo, a large-scale multinational maritime exercise involving forces from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Nigeria off Nigeria’s coast. The exercise addresses security threats such as piracy and illegal trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.
UK deputy defence adviser to Nigeria, Commander Jonathan Howe commented on the visit, stating, “The UK is dedicated to strengthening regional maritime security and supporting Nigeria in countering shared security challenges, from piracy to violent extremism.”
The vessel’s commanding officer, Captain James Wingrove RFA emphasised the importance of this engagement. “It’s an honour to bring Lyme Bay to Nigeria. Working closely with the Nigerian Navy allows us to refine critical skills, improve operational readiness, and build a strong foundation for future collaboration,” he stated.
A statement by the senior press and public affairs officer, comms lead, prosperity and economic development, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, British Deputy High Commission, Ndidiamaka Eze, said this deployment underscores the UK’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in West Africa and its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, fostering stability and joint capability across the region.
