UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Arrives in Lagos For Defence Engagement

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Lyme Bay has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of a Defence Engagement programme across West African partner nations.

The ship’s arrival, which occurred at Apapa Quays, marks a significant step in the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, signed in February 2024.

During its stay in Nigeria, Lyme Bay will engage in a series of activities, including ship tours for national dignitaries and maritime capability training.

This training will involve joint drills and interoperability exercises between UK Royal Marines boarding and search teams and their Nigerian Navy counterparts.

The deployment is aimed at enhancing regional maritime security and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat threats such as piracy and violent extremist organizations.

“The UK is committed to improving regional maritime security,” said Commander Jonathan Howe, the UK Deputy Defence Adviser to Nigeria.

“This deployment demonstrates our pledge to work with the Nigeria Government to tackle shared international security challenges and help improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.”

Following its visit to Lagos, RFA Lyme Bay will participate in Exercise Grand African Nemo, a multinational maritime security exercise involving Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and Nigerian Naval forces off the coast of Nigeria.

“It is a great privilege to bring RFA Lyme Bay alongside in Nigeria,” said Commander James Wingrove RFA, the ship’s Commanding Officer.

“The opportunity for my ship’s company and embarked forces to visit the region presents an exciting prospect, whilst the ability to train alongside our Nigerian counterparts to hone skills, improve capability and demonstrate our interoperability is extremely valuable.”

The arrival of RFA Lyme Bay underscores the growing partnership between the UK and Nigeria in tackling shared security concerns.

The vessel’s participation in Exercise Grand African Nemo further highlights the international commitment to ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea region.