The Royal Navy’s River-class offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent, and a troop of Royal Marines from 42 Commando have arrived in Lagos as part of a three-month deployment to the Gulf of Guinea.
HMS Trent is visiting Lagos for the first time in the Gulf of Guinea, and it is the ship’s second port call since leaving Gibraltar earlier in October.
The UK’s Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, welcomed the ship at a reception today, saying, “Nigeria’s security and prosperity are important to the UK.” The Royal Navy is present because the United Kingdom is a dedicated partner to Nigeria and the larger West African region. We will continue to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to combat unlawful behavior, strengthen marine security, combat piracy, and combat the Illegal Wildlife Trade. To do so, we will draw on our experience in cross- and multi-agency collaboration to promote peace, growth, and prosperity in the United Kingdom.”
HMS Trent’s ship’s company has a busy program of events, including numerous capabilities demonstrations and training, with 42 Commando delivering specific Vessel Boarding, Search, and Seizure training to the Nigerian Navy.
Additionally, members of the ship’s company will participate in a charity beach clean-up as well as the Maritime Security Conference at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
42 Commando will perform a key role as part of the ship’s company of HMS Trent, training partner forces across the region and helping to develop their capabilities.
The three-month deployment will see the ship travel around the Gulf of Guinea, visiting countries including Ghana, Senegal, and Gambia. Alongside their commitments to conduct joint exercises and train with partners in the region HMS Trent will also conduct maritime security patrols and promote the UK’s position as co-president at the G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea conference in November.
Check out Naval Library App to find out more about the specifications of the River-class offshore patrol boats.
