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France and Nigeria joined forces in October to combat piracy and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Alongside five Nigerian navy ships, the French carrier Mistral began a four-month mission with the goal of ensuring maritime security in the area
France and Nigeria joined forces in October to combat piracy and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Alongside five Nigerian navy ships, the French carrier Mistral began a four-month mission with the goal of ensuring maritime security in the area.
The French have had near-permanent deployment of a naval vessel in the Gulf of Guinea since 1990, according to Captain Olivier Roussille, Commander of the Mistral. The heart of the mission is maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, where France has both interests and strong partners.
For the Nigerian Navy, the naval exercises are part of their commitment to the Yaoundé Protocol, an agreement signed in 2013 between 25 West and Central African governments, regional blocs ECOWAS and ECCAS. The protocol was developed to curb illicit activities in the Gulf.
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Nigeria still faces threats to its security including theft of crude oil and unlawful oil bunkering. Its Navy says maintaining joint drills is necessary for the continued combat against piracy.
