ESPS “Audaz”, a Spanish warship, has docked in Lagos to reinforce the military ties between Nigeria and Spain and deliver defence diplomacy.
A statement on Wednesday said the ESPS “Audaz” moored in Lagos port on May 13 to demonstrate the Spanish government’s commitment to the security of the Gulf of Guinea.
It noted that Lagos was significant, being Nigeria’s most populated city and the country’s economic centre.
According to the Spanish “Foco África 2023” document, Nigeria is a pivotal country in Africa and a key partner of Spain in the region, hence, the importance of the port visit.
The statement said, “During the port visit, several activities were conducted, including military cooperation, defence diplomacy, as well as logistic operations.
“The ESPS ‘Audaz’ is currently deployed in the Gulf of Guinea, integrated into the operational structure of the Armed Forces and under the framework of the Coordinated Maritime Presence of the European Union, in order to deliver maritime security into an area of vital strategic interest.”
According to the statement, this is the second occasion that the ESPS “Audaz” will visit Lagos “since its departure from Spain four months ago.”
It added that “during this period, 18.000 nautical miles have been steamed by the warship. During the four-day port visit, several military cooperation activities were carried out.”
It said the ESPS “Audaz” first acted as a target ship in an operation simulating a piracy scenario, where a Special Operations Maritime Task Unit from the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Squadron participated.
It further added that a Spanish delegation, led by the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell, visited the Western Naval Command as well as the project “Falcon Eye”, an example of vanguard and leadership in maritime security.
“Once at sea, three Nigerian officers embarked on board ESPS ‘Audaz’ to reinforce interoperability and bonds between sister navies. These activities are essential to deliver maritime security alongside coastal states, in order to achieve a safe and secure maritime environment,” the statement added.
The statement noted that “The port call of one of the most modern warships in the Spanish Navy, with the presence of H.E. Spanish Ambassador in Lagos, project a clear message of Spanish commitment to Nigeria and strengthen Spanish diplomacy on its contribution to peace and international security.”