The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Lyme Bay has docked at Premier Port (Apapa Quays) in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of a Defence Engagement program with West African partner nations.
This visit aligns with the maritime cooperation established under the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership in February 2024.
During its stay in Nigeria, Lyme Bay will engage in various Defence Engagement activities, including ship tours and hosting national dignitaries. The ship will also facilitate maritime capability training with the Nigerian Navy, utilizing UK Royal Marines for boarding, search drills, and interoperability training.
Following its visit, RFA Lyme Bay will participate in Exercise Grand African Nemo, a multinational maritime security exercise involving naval forces from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and Nigeria, conducted off the coast of Nigeria.
UK Deputy Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Commander Jonathan Howe, emphasized the UK’s commitment to enhancing regional maritime security and supporting Nigeria in addressing security threats such as piracy and violent extremism. He stated, “This deployment demonstrates our pledge to work with the Nigerian Government to tackle shared international security challenges.”
Commander Capt James Wingrove, the ship’s commanding officer, expressed his pride in bringing RFA Lyme Bay to Nigeria, highlighting the valuable opportunity for training alongside Nigerian forces to improve skills and capabilities.
