By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic maritime cooperation to enhance security and safeguard trade routes in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, stated this during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Saylem Alshamsi.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The collaboration, Abbas said, is focused on boosting maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, naval technology transfer and coordinated responses to transnational maritime threats.

He identified piracy, crude oil theft, sea robbery and other criminal activities as key threats requiring sustained international cooperation.

The CNS said the Nigerian Navy remained committed to enhancing operational synergy with global partners to secure the Gulf of Guinea and protect critical maritime infrastructure.

In his remarks, the UAE Ambassador commended the Nigerian Navy for its operational strides in securing regional waters.

Alshamsi specifically highlighted the impact of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, noting recent seizures of large quantities of crude oil and petroleum products by naval personnel.

He said the growing volume of trade between Nigeria and its international partners underscored the need for a secure maritime environment.

According to him, strengthened cooperation among nations is critical to sustaining economic stability and boosting confidence in global shipping.

Abbas also cited the construction of NNS KADA in Sharjah as a major milestone in the Nigeria-UAE defence partnership.

He said the navy looked forward to deeper collaboration in naval technology transfer to support indigenous shipbuilding, enhance fleet readiness and sustain maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. (NAN)

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