Tinubu to Flag Off AU Combined Maritime Task Force at Navy’s 70th Anniversary in Lagos

Lagos to Host Multinational Force

President Bola Tinubu will formally flag off the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has announced.

The task force is a big deal for Gulf of Guinea security. Endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council on April 23, 2025, it is designed as a standing, ready-to-deploy maritime force to fight transnational crime across the 6,000-kilometre stretch of West and Central African waters. Lagos will serve as its headquarters.

Five countries are on board so far: Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Three New Vessels and a Fleet Review

At a press conference in Abuja, Vice Admiral Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Akinola Olodude, said President Tinubu will also commission three new Nigerian Navy vessels during the ceremony.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief will personally conduct the trooping and presentation of colours to the Nigerian Navy,” Abbas said. The event will include an international fleet review and exhibition at the waterfront.

Abbas described the task force as “a multinational approach to combat the transnational organised crimes” plaguing the Gulf of Guinea. The flag-off symbolises its formal operationalisation.

39 Navies, 15 African Naval Chiefs Expected

More than 39 navies are expected in Lagos for the celebration, alongside diplomats and heads of regional and multilateral institutions. Friendly foreign vessels from Benin Republic, Brazil, Cameroon, and Ghana will participate in activities within Lagos harbour.

“We will be receiving heads of African navies from 15 different countries, heads of non-African navies from 10 countries, heads of regional military commands, and heads of international and regional organisations,” Abbas said.

The Nigerian Navy started with about 250 personnel seven decades ago. Today it ranks among Africa’s strongest naval forces, with one of the continent’s largest fleets. Abbas pointed to the growth of local vessel and shipbuilding capabilities as one of the service’s standout achievements over its 70-year history.

Sources: Arise News, THISDAY, Voice of Nigeria