President Buhari Leaves for Equatorial Guinea for Talks on Maritime Security

In continuation of the federal government’s efforts to achieve greater security of lives, resources and investments in all parts of Nigeria and its sub-region, President Muhammadu Buhari will today travel to Malabo for talks with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea on further measures to protect the people and resources of the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the conclusion and signing of an agreement by Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea for the establishment of a combined maritime policing and security patrol committee on Tuesday would be the major outcome of Buhari’s talks with his host.

Adesina said Buhari and Mbasogo would also discuss and agree on other collaborative measures to combat crimes such as piracy, crude oil theft, attacks on oil rigs, arms smuggling and human trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea.

The statement said: “Both leaders will also confer on the rescheduling of the joint summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States on additional cooperative measures to curb terrorism and violent extremism in West and Central Africa.
“The summit was to have been hosted by Equatorial Guinea last year but was postponed because of Nigeria’s general election.

“In accordance with the main focus and agenda of the trip, Buhari will be accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd.), the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.) and other senior security officials.”
The president will return to Abuja on Tuesday.