Maritime Security: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Niger Jointly Launch ‘Safe Domain II’ Operation
On September 11, 2023, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Niger jointly launched ‘Safe Domain II’ Operation aimed at combating piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea region. This operation, which commenced on September 11, 2023, will continue until September 15, 2023, at the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) in Zone ‘E,’ located in Cotonou, Benin.
During the inauguration ceremony held on Monday, Commodore Aniedi Ibok, Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) in Zone ‘E,’ explained that the program’s objective is to enhance maritime security through regional cooperation to promote prosperity. According to Ibok, patrol missions and joint operations aim to pool the resources of participating states, make maritime resources interoperable, and assess standard operational procedures.
It is noteworthy that ‘Safe Domain II’ Operation aims to restrict the activities of pirates and maritime criminals by conducting routine maritime patrols. This operation will cover a total area of 105,746 square nautical miles and involve three ships and a helicopter for patrol and surveillance operations.
Brigadier General Fructueux Gbaguidi, the Chief of Defense Staff of Benin, highlighted that his country is grappling with piracy issues and called for support from neighboring countries. He recalled that the collaboration among these nations led to the creation of ‘Safe Domain I’ Operation in 2021, the success of which resulted in the establishment of ‘Safe Domain II’ Operation in 2023.
Captain Jean Léon Olatoundji, Chief of the Benin Navy, emphasized the importance of cooperation among countries to strengthen the fight against piracy. He asserted that ‘Safe Domain II’ Operation reflects the collective determination of member countries to confront the piracy threat in the maritime region.”
