ECOWAS Maritime Exercise Highlights Progress in Gulf of Guinea Security

Operation Safe Domain III Demonstrates Commitment to Combating Maritime Crime and Enhancing Economic Stability

Once notorious for piracy and trafficking, the Gulf of Guinea has seen considerable progress in maritime security, thanks to the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The recent Operation Safe Domain III, conducted from August 5 to August 9, 2024, exemplifies the regional bloc’s commitment to securing its maritime domain.

The exercise, launched from Cotonou, Benin, was led by ECOWAS’s Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) for Zone E, comprising Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. It involved a range of activities, including maritime and aerial surveillance, operational training, and knowledge exchange.

Cmdr. Aniedi Aniedu Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E and Nigerian Navy official, emphasized the importance of this exercise in addressing the maritime threats facing the region. “Our response through Safe Domain III reflects our unwavering commitment to neutralizing these threats and creating a secure maritime environment conducive to commerce and trade,” Ibok stated.

Objectives and Achievements

Operation Safe Domain III had three primary objectives:

1. Combat Maritime Crimes: Through the deployment of equipment, training, and intelligence sharing.
2. Promote Information Exchange: Foster cooperation among member states and international partners.
3. Secure Maritime Commerce: Enhance trade and economic growth by ensuring a safe maritime environment.

The exercise involved four vessels and aerial support, covering an area of 105,746 square nautical miles. This comprehensive approach showcased the ability of Zone E nations to coordinate effectively and enhance maritime security.

Nigerian Navy Capt. Idongesit Udoessien, leading one of the participating vessels, highlighted the exercise’s success in demonstrating regional cooperation. “We have indeed displayed to the world that we can synergize our efforts at sub-regional levels to ensure maritime safety and security,” Udoessien remarked.

The reduction in maritime crime has been significant. From 49 reported piracy cases in 2018, the region saw only two cases in 2023, a testament to the effectiveness of ECOWAS’s coordinated efforts. Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan of the Nigerian Navy acknowledged the progress, noting that the region has moved past the days when maritime criminals operated with impunity.

International support played a crucial role in this success. The European Union’s Gulf of Guinea Inter-Regional Network project, along with contributions from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United States, Denmark, and Germany, bolstered the regional efforts.

The success of Operation Safe Domain III sets a strong foundation for future maritime security initiatives. ECOWAS has announced plans for Operation Safe Domain IV, scheduled for March 2025. This continued effort underscores the importance of sustained cooperation among member states and international partners.

“Our joint efforts today pave the way for a safer, more secure maritime future in Area E,” Cmdr. Ibok concluded, highlighting the ongoing commitment to protecting the region’s maritime heritage and ensuring the free flow of global trade.