A crucial step in the fight against maritime piracy and crime in the Gulf of Guinea has been taken with the launch of Operation Safe Domain II. This is a joint initiative by Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Niger.
Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Niger jointly inaugurated Operation Safe Domain II. The inauguration ceremony took place at the MMCC Zone E complex of the Cotonou Naval Base in Benin from September 11 to September 15, 2023. This operation, focused on collaboration for regional prosperity, opens new perspectives for maritime security in the region.
Indeed, Operation Safe Domain II is based on a strategic agreement on joint maritime operations and patrols (JMOP) among these neighboring countries, in accordance with the 2013 Yaoundé Code of Conduct, which divides the Gulf of Guinea into two coordinated sub-regions. To the west, the Regional Maritime Security Center for West Africa (CRESMAO), and to the east, the Regional Maritime Security Center for Central Africa (CRESMAC), were established to oversee maritime security activities. This regional approach was initiated in 2014 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with Zone E as a pilot project in 2013, subsequently leading to the creation of the other zones.
Commodore Aniedi Ibok, Director of Zone E at the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC), emphasized the importance of this operation in the fight against piracy affecting the Gulf of Guinea region. This regional collaboration enhances maritime security and reflects the commitment of participating nations to work together to protect their coastlines and promote stability and economic prosperity. Operation Safe Domain II illustrates how interstate cooperation can address common maritime challenges and create a safer and more conducive maritime environment for economic development.
