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The 'Audaz' docks at the Nigerian port of Lagos

In Nigeria
May 22, 2023
  • The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 'Audaz' has been docked for 4 days in Lagos to reinforce the military cooperation with Nigeria, a priority and fundamental country for Spain

As part of its deployment in the Gulf of Guinea, the (OPV) 'Audaz' has called again at the port of Lagos to reinforce the military cooperation links between Nigeria and Spain, to support the State's external action and to project Spain's commitment to the security of the region.

Landfall in Lagos (Nigeria)

On the morning of May 13, the ship docked in Lagos, Nigeria's most populous city and the country's economic center. During the stopover, military cooperation, presence and defense diplomacy activities were carried out, as well as logistical operations to supply the ship. From the perspective of the State's foreign action and the document 'Foco Africa 2023', Nigeria is considered a fundamental country in the African continent, which reflects the importance of this stopover for Spain.

The (OPV) 'Audaz' is deployed in the Gulf of Guinea, integrated in the operational structure of the Armed Forces and within the framework of the Coordinated Maritime Presences (PMC) of the European Union (EU), to project maritime security in an area of vital strategic interest. It should be noted that this is the second time that the (OPV) 'Audaz' has called at Lagos since its departure from Spain more than four months ago. During this period more than 18,000 nautical miles have been covered.

Cooperation activities with the Nigerian Navy

During the four days in harbor, several military cooperation activities have been carried out. First of all, the (OPV) 'Audaz' acted as a target ship in a boarding with opposition simulating a piracy scenario, in which a special operations team of SBS (Special Boat Squadron) of the Nigerian Navy participated. Also, a delegation from the (OPV) 'Audaz', accompanying the Spanish ambassador, visited the WNC (Western Naval Command) of the Nigerian Navy and the control center of its 'Falcon Eye' project, an example of vanguard and leadership in maritime security in the region.

At sea, three Nigerian officers embarked on board the (OPV) 'Audaz' during a voyage to reinforce interoperability and the union between the two navies. All these activities are essential to project maritime security together with the coastal countries, with the common goal of achieving safe and secure maritime spaces free from threats. 

Deployment of OPV 'Audaz'

The deployment of the BAM 'Audaz' on the West African coast and Gulf of Guinea is a long-term mission, which began on January 15 in Cartagena, and has already visited 9 African countries, both in the northern and southern hemisphere.

At sea, the ship is carrying out maritime surveillance activities and knowledge of the environment on a permanent basis, in full coordination with the coastal countries, thus contributing to increase maritime security in the region. It has also participated in the exercises 'Obangame Express 2023', 'Flintlock 2023' and even in two events of the EU PASSMAR Program. 

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