Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye had eulogized the leadership of the Nigerian Navy for its dexterity at downgrading piracy within the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region noting that the NN is the lead maritime force in the region.
While paying a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla at Naval Headquarters Abuja on Friday stated that the visit was sequel to his re-election as commissioner.
He also acknowledged the Nigerian Navy’s (NN) efforts in reducing piracy within the Gulf of Guinea region stating that the NN is the lead maritime force in the region.
While highlighting the pertinent areas of collaboration between the AU and the NN with respect to maritime security across the entire continent generally, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, had areas include the nascent Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), the provision of Strategic Sea Lift and the idea of a Continental Maritime Exercise.
In his response, Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed NN willingness to do more in furtherance of regional maritime security.
The CNS also emphasized the need to expedite action on the operationalisation of the CMTF highlighting the logistics the NN has provided for the Task Force.
He further assured His Excellency that the NN was ready to provide the Strategic Sea Lift as needed by AU and play a lead role in the proposed Continental Maritime Exercise.
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