Nigerian Navy Enhances Maritime Security Against Smuggling

On September 21, Abubakar Mustapha, the flag officer commanding the Western Naval Command, announced that the Nigerian Navy would leverage technology and enhance cooperation with other security agencies to address the rising threats of drug and arms smuggling in Nigeria's waterways. Speaking at a four-day maritime security symposium in Lagos, Mustapha, representing Chief of Naval Staff Idi Abbas, noted that while Nigeria has maintained a zero-piracy level, the smuggling of narcotics and firearms through the central Gulf of Guinea poses a significant challenge.

The Navy is focusing on identifying and tracking vessels of interest, particularly those arriving from South America. Mustapha highlighted the recent destruction of over 560 kg of illicit drugs as evidence of ongoing efforts to intercept narcotics.

The symposium, attended by naval officers from approximately 25 countries, aimed to discuss the operationalisation of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and the Combined Maritime Task Force, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to maritime security threats beyond piracy.