At the Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Lagos, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) is currently berthed.
At the Western Navy Command Headquarters in Apapa, Mohawk officers will have a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Navy and give government and military personnel tours of their ships.
To advance cooperation in maritime security, the ship will engage with the Nigerian Navy for two days at sea.
The landing, according to Consul General Will Stevens, strengthens America's commitment to aiding Nigeria in its efforts to defend its territorial seas and the larger Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
"To improve Nigeria's capacity to tackle piracy, oil bunkering, illegal fishing, and other sea-based illicit activities, cooperation and the ability to operate together in the maritime realm are required," Stevens said.
Stevens talked on the U.S. and Nigeria's joint commitment to a secure GoG with Mohawk's commanding officer Andrew Pate and Western Naval Commander Rear Admiral Yakubu Wambai.
The following edition will take place in January 2023 and will be hosted by Nigeria, a participant in Obangame Express, the largest multinational maritime security exercise in West Africa.
The biennial drill promotes international cooperation to address transnational maritime issues.