The ESPS “Audaz” docked for 4 days in Lagos in order to strengthen the military cooperation with Nigeria, a country that is a key partner for Spain in Africa.
Spanish and Nigerian Navies poses on Audaz in Nigeria
As a part of the deployment in the Gulf of Guinea, ESPS “Audaz” moored once more in the port of Lagos to reinforce the military bonds between Nigeria and Spain and deliver defence diplomacy, showing the Spanish commitment with the security of the region.
Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Mr Sell receives the Spanish Naval “‘Audaz”” crew salute and parade in Lagos.
Port visit in Lagos (Nigeria)
In the morning of May 13th, “Audaz” came alongside in Lagos, the most populated city of Nigeria and the country’s economic center. During the port visit, several activities were conducted including military cooperation, defence diplomacy, as well as logistic operations. According to Spanish “Foco África 2023” document, Nigeria is considered a pivotal country in Africa, what reflects the importance of this port visit. 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 (CMP) of the European Union (EU), in order to deliver maritime security into an area of vital strategic interest. This is the second occassion that ESPS “Audaz” visits Lagos, since its departure from Spain 4 months ago. During this period, 18.000 nautical miles have been steamed by the warship.
Signing- the register.
Cooperation activities with the Nigerian Navy (NN)
During the four-day port visit, several military cooperation activities were carried out. First of all, ESPS “Audaz” acted as a target ship in a opposed simulating a piracy scenario, where a SOMTU (Special Operations Maritime Task Unit) from NN SBS (Special Boat Squadron) participated. Furthermore, in company with H.E. Spanish Ambassador, a Spanish delegation visited WNC (Western Naval Command) as well as the project “Falcon Eye”, an example of vanguard and leadership in maritime security. Once at sea, 3 Nigerian officers embarked on board ESPS “Audaz” to reinforce interoperatonality 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.
Combat and attack operations & demonstrations in display
Presence and Defence diplomacy
Upon arrival to the pier, ESPS “Audaz” welcomed on board the Spanish Ambassador, H.E. Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz. He visited the ship and addressed the whole crew to appreciate the effort done during the deployment. Additionally, several meetings were held with Nigerian naval authorities, not only ashore but also aboard. The port call of one of the most modern warships in the Spanish Navy, with the presence of H.E. Spanish Ambassador in Lagos, projects a clear message of Spanish commitment with Nigeria and strengthen Spanish diplomacy on its contribution to peace and international security.
Ambassador Sell, Nigeria & Spanish Naval Officers and Consulate Staff poses for pictures.
Nigerian Navy top officers and personnel, and the Spanish Consulate General in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Losada Millar and other Consulate staff witnessed the arrival of the “Audaz” in Lagos.
LONG LIVE SPAIN-NIGERIA TIES.
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