The U.S. Embassy’s Defense Attaché, Colonel Thomas Brooks, is advocating for strengthened military training ties with the Nigerian Navy. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The visit underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role as a security partner, with Rear Admiral Micheal Oamen affirming that such collaboration benefits both nations in addressing maritime challenges.
Colonel Thomas Brooks, the U.S. Embassy’s Defense Attaché, recently emphasized the need for enhanced military collaboration between the United States and Nigeria, specifically focusing on the Nigerian Navy. During his introductory visit to the Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos, Brooks highlighted the importance of establishing and expanding training programs between both nations.
Brooks, as the newly appointed U.S. Defense Attaché to Nigeria, underscored the historic security partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria, particularly noting Nigeria’s status as the most capable navy within the Gulf of Guinea, a position that carries significant regional responsibilities. He reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its naval capacities.
In his remarks, Brooks conveyed that understanding the challenges faced by the Nigerian Navy will facilitate better collaboration and communication. He aims to explore how to augment the capabilities of the Nigerian military, including potential training opportunities through sending Nigerian sailors to the United States or deploying U.S. teams to Nigeria.
Brooks stressed that improved cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the Nigerian Navy is essential for strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, an area characterized by various security challenges. Rear Admiral Micheal Oamen, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, supported Brooks’ views, affirming the strong ties between the two navies through training and joint exercises.
Oamen articulated the significance of such collaborations, stating that they enhance the capabilities and readiness of the Nigerian Navy to address maritime threats effectively. He recognized the critical role of secured waters in Nigeria’s economic stability, referencing that 80 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange comes from maritime endeavors. Oamen expressed gratitude on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for the U.S.-Nigeria relationship and anticipates further advancements in the partnership in future years.
The commitment of the U.S. and Nigerian Navies to strengthen their military ties reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of regional security in the Gulf of Guinea. Colonel Brooks and Rear Admiral Oamen highlighted that enhancing training programs and cooperation will not only improve readiness but also assist in addressing various maritime challenges. Ultimately, this partnership is critical for both nations, particularly for Nigeria, whose economic stability depends on secure maritime operations.
Original Source: prnigeria.com
