Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, met July 21 with Rear Adm. Olusegun Olunkule Soyemi, pioneer flag officer commanding, Special Operations Command, Nigerian Navy, during the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) to discuss maritime domain awareness, regional maritime security and opportunities to strengthen multinational cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria has participated in all four African Maritime Forces Summits and continues to play a leading role in advancing maritime security initiatives across West Africa. During the discussion, the leaders exchanged perspectives on strengthening maritime domain awareness, countering illicit maritime activity, and expanding cooperation through regional and multinational frameworks.
The leaders also discussed the importance of integrating innovative approaches to maritime awareness with operational coordination to address evolving maritime challenges. They highlighted the value of bringing together regional expertise, professional experience and practical solutions that strengthen maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.
“Nigeria continues to demonstrate regional leadership through its commitment to maritime security and its investment in maritime domain awareness,” said Wikoff. “That leadership, combined with strong partnerships and a shared understanding of regional challenges, helps strengthen security across the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.”
The discussion also emphasized the importance of sustained professional engagement among maritime forces and the role of multinational forums in advancing practical solutions to shared security challenges. The leaders recognized that continued dialogue and cooperation help reinforce regional efforts to address transnational maritime threats.
“The African Maritime Forces Summit provides an opportunity for maritime leaders to exchange operational perspectives and identify practical ways to strengthen regional cooperation,” Wikoff said. “Those discussions support enduring partnerships and contribute to African-led maritime security efforts across the continent.”
Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, the African Maritime Forces Summit brought together representatives from more than 40 African and partner nations under the theme, “Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security.”
