The Nigerian and South African Navies have strengthened their partnership on maritime security across Africa following their inaugural Naval Staff Talks held at Naval Base Simon’s Town in Cape Town, South Africa.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the talks were aimed at building a strong framework for naval cooperation between both countries.
He said the collaboration would help protect the maritime interests of Nigeria and South Africa while contributing to wider continental security.
According to him, the Nigerian delegation was led by Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, while Rear Admiral S. Makhanya headed the South African delegation.
The discussions, endorsed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and his South African counterpart, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, focused on maritime domain awareness, joint training, operational cooperation and capacity building.
Folorunsho said the engagements were designed to address threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and transnational crime, which continue to affect maritime trade routes and coastal security across Africa.
He added that the Nigerian delegation also visited the Institute of Maritime Technology and the South African Naval Museum, where members gained insights into local innovations and naval heritage.
“To build on this, the South African Navy will join Nigeria’s 70th Anniversary celebrations in June 2026, offering chances to seal agreements and explore further collaboration,” the naval spokesperson said.
Folorunsho added: “The Nigerian Navy reaffirms its commitment to strategic partnerships that enhance maritime security, promote regional stability, and support Africa’s collective prosperity.”
In a related development, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft rescued three suspected stowaways from the merchant vessel MSC Stella off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Acting on intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19, 2026, the Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay intercepted the vessel five nautical miles offshore.
The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael from Benin Republic, Soye Monday from Ondo State and Kentobou Peter from Delta State.
They were said to have boarded the vessel illegally at Tin Can Island Port around 1:00 a.m. on April 17 with the intention of travelling to Europe.
The three suspects are currently in the custody of NNS Beecroft for further investigation.
“This rescue echoes recent successes, including saving seven people after a Bayelsa collision and three stowaways from MT Anatolia in March 2026,” he said.
The Navy stated that it remains committed to search-and-rescue operations and securing Nigeria’s territorial waters against irregular migration and other illegal activities.
