ESPS “Audaz,” the offshore patrol vessel of the Spanish Navy, recently visited the port of Lagos, Nigeria, for a four-day period to enhance military cooperation and diplomatic relations between Spain and Nigeria. This visit underscores the importance of Nigeria as a key partner for Spain in Africa and demonstrates Spain’s commitment to regional security.
ESPS “Audaz” is part of the coordinated Maritime presence of the European Union and is deployed in the Gulf of Guinea to deliver maritime security to an area of vital strategic interest. As one of the Spanish Navy’s most modern warships, it has been involved in several defense diplomacy and military cooperation activities in various countries.
During the visit, ESPS “Audaz” engaged in various activities, including military cooperation, defense diplomacy and logistical operations. Nigeria is recognized as a pivotal country in Africa according to the Spanish “Foco África 2023” document. The warship received its second visit from Nigeria since its departure from Spain four months ago and has covered over 18,000 nautical miles in the Gulf of Guinea.
A notable aspect of the visit was the military cooperation activities carried out with the Nigerian Navy. ESPS “Audaz” played the role of a target ship in a simulated piracy scenario, involving the participation of the Nigerian Navy’s Special Operations Maritime Task Unit (SOMTU) from the Special Boat Squadron (SBS). Additionally, a Spanish delegation, led by the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz, visited the Western Naval Command (WNC) and the “Falcon Eye” project, which exemplifies leadership in maritime security.
To enhance interoperability and strengthen the bond between the two navies, three Nigerian officers embarked on ESPS “Audaz” during its time at sea. These activities are crucial in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment by collaborating with coastal states.
The presence of H.E. Juan Ignacio Sell Sanz, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, further solidified diplomatic ties between Spain and Nigeria. The Ambassador visited the warship and expressed appreciation for the crew’s dedication during the deployment. Meetings with Nigerian naval authorities were conducted both onshore and aboard the warship, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to Nigeria and its contribution to international security.
The visit of ESPS “Audaz” to Lagos highlights the strong military and diplomatic relationship between Spain and Nigeria. It emphasizes Spain’s dedication to promoting regional security and cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea and Africa as a whole. Through joint activities and partnerships, ESPS “Audaz” contributes to a safer maritime environment while strengthening the ties between the Nigerian Navy and the Spanish Navy.
As ESPS “Audaz” continues its deployment in the Gulf of Guinea, Spain remains committed to working alongside its African partners to combat maritime threats and ensure peace and stability in the region. The port visit to Lagos signifies a significant step forward in achieving these shared objectives and further strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and Spain.
