In order to “monitor, capture, and prosecute” non-state actors operating in Nigerian waters, the United States of America revealed intentions for this action on Thursday.
The Director, Maritime Headquarters, US Naval Forces, Europe/Africa, Rear Admiral Chase Patrick, said that technology has played a significant role in the progress made in the ongoing war against pirates during a virtual press briefing to close-knit journalists on the progress of the Obangame Express 2023. It’s noteworthy that US Africa Command is funding and US Naval Forces Africa is leading the drill.
In Angola, Benin, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria, the operation will take place between January 23 and February 3, 2023.
Through Obangame Express 2023, U.S. forces collaborate with 33 participating nations to enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities, advance regional and national security in Western Africa, and boost communication between U.S., African, and multinational partners.
In order to forge enduring bonds and pool their resources to protect the safety and security of the maritime environment in the region, the U.S. regularly conducts military drills with partners in Africa.
The following nations will be taking part in Obangame Express 2023: Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, and Morocco. The Netherlands, Namibia, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, and the United States are some of the additional nations.
Both the Economic Community of Central African States and the Economic Community of West African States take part.
Patrick spoke to reporters about the military operations on the seas and said, “The biggest success perhaps is that piracy statistics in recent years have been coming down and we attribute that to the improved cooperation that we have in West Africa. In the early years of this exercise, technology was not as advanced. But now, our partners have more access to radars and other means.”
Speaking on the operation in Nigeria, he said, “Some of those bad actors on the high seas are highly resourceful and we are focused on trying to find ways to track, apprehend and prosecute them.”
