Cotonou Hosts the 3rd Edition of the Joint Maritime Security Patrol between Benin, Togo, and Nigeria: Safe Domain III
Cotonou is hosting the third edition of the joint maritime security patrol, Safe Domain III, involving Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. Under the theme « Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Collaboration, » the operation was officially launched on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the naval base.
Safe Domain III, the joint maritime security patrol between Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, marks a significant step toward strengthening regional maritime security and prosperity. The implementation of this operation was overseen by Brigadier General Abdoul-Backi Sanni Bachabi, representing the Minister of National Defense, and included Aniedi A. Ibok, Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center for Zone E, personnel from the Regional Security Division of the ECOWAS Commission, and numerous other high-ranking military officials from various countries.
The operation will span several days, during which the navies will remain resolute in addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, various forms of trafficking at sea, smuggling, maritime piracy, and other activities that threaten safety and security in the waters. This operation demonstrates the commitment of the involved states to collaborate in ensuring the well-being of their populations.
ECOWAS Zone E covers a maritime area of approximately 105,764 square kilometers, and Operation Safe Domain III encompasses several aspects. It pools the resources of member states to enhance the capacity of their navies to effectively combat maritime crime, promote information exchange, and foster cooperation between states. This patrol will make the marine environment safer and more secure, enabling economic activities to thrive in the maritime domains of Zone E.
Since the introduction of Safe Domain, maritime security in Economic Zone E has shown positive progress. According to Commodore Aniedi A. Ibok of the Nigerian Navy, Director of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center for Zone E, reported incidents have decreased from 49 in 2018 to just 2 in 2023. This success is attributed to the joint patrol and maritime security efforts initiated by the three states—Benin, Togo, and Nigeria—alongside international partners such as the EU, UNODC, the United States, and others.
Source: Matin Libre
