Equatorial Guinea’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Francisco Edu Ngua Mange, has advocated for enhanced maritime security cooperation among countries in the Gulf of Guinea. The call was made during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. The ambassador stressed the importance of joint efforts to safeguard regional waters and maritime trade.
During the visit, Ambassador Mange expressed gratitude to Vice Admiral Abbas for the audience and lauded the Nigerian Navy’s pivotal role in combating maritime crime throughout the Gulf of Guinea. He described the Nigerian Navy as a “stabilising force in the region,” highlighting the crucial need for stronger collaboration among Gulf of Guinea nations to protect all regional waterways, including those belonging to Equatorial Guinea.
In response, Vice Admiral Abbas welcomed the envoy and underscored the Nigerian Navy’s successful operational endeavors in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain. He noted that “militancy in the Niger Delta has been effectively contained through sustained naval operations carried out in synergy with other security agencies.” The naval chief further revealed that Nigerian waters have not recorded any piracy incidents since 2022. However, he cautioned that threats still persist in other parts of the broader Gulf of Guinea, making regional collaboration indispensable.
Abbas also elaborated on the upcoming Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), which will comprise six Gulf of Guinea countries, including Nigeria. He explained that this initiative would significantly “enhance collective response to maritime threats” and would operate based on intelligence shared through operational coordination under the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security. The CMTF is anticipated to officially commence operations in June 2026, aiming to fortify efforts to secure regional waters and ensure the safety of vital maritime trade routes.
Additionally, the Chief of Naval Staff informed Ambassador Mange about the forthcoming Nigerian Navy 70th Anniversary Celebrations and extended an invitation for Equatorial Guinea to participate in the planned International Fleet Review as part of the commemorative activities.
