US Envoy partners Lagos Western Naval Command on security

A delegation from the United States Congress, led by the United States Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart, has visited the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Apapa, Lagos, to explore ways of strengthening security cooperation with Nigeria.

Swart, who led the delegation of Congress members Austin Scott, Jimmy Panetta, and Salud Carbajal, said the visit aimed to deepen bilateral collaboration in maritime security and review the Nigerian Navy’s achievements in safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea.

The Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, acknowledged the long-standing strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United States, which he said had endured for several decades.

Conveying the appreciation of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, Oamen commended US support for Nigeria’s naval operations and expressed optimism that the partnership would be sustained.

He highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, particularly in efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea against piracy and other maritime threats.

During the visit, the delegation, accompanied by the Fleet Commander (West), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Muhammad-Katsina, toured the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) Centre and inspected NNS KADA.

Senior officers of the Western Naval Command were also present at the engagement.

Editing by Jennifer Ogor and Adeniyi Bakare