The Brazilian Navy’s Niteroi-class frigate Liberal is currently conducting naval exercises off the coast of West Africa as part of Guinex III, involving regional navies from countries such as Togo and Nigeria.
On September 7, the Liberal carried out at-sea manoeuvres with the Nigerian Navy’s tanks landing ship NNS Kada and patrol vessel NNS Kano, involving navigation, boarding, and other activities. The Liberal’s boarding team also embarked on the NNS Kada during the exercise.
Rear Admiral Nelson de Oliveira Leite, the current commander of the Brazilian Task Group for Guinex III, highlighted that these exercises promote interoperability between the forces involved. He emphasized their relevance in maintaining the operational capacity of the Brazilian Navy and strengthening trust with the countries of the Gulf of Guinea while contributing to maritime security in the region.
Guinex III began on August 6 when the Liberal departed from the Rio de Janeiro Naval Base and is scheduled to continue until October 14. Since arriving on the African coast, the frigate has visited various ports, including São Tomé (São Tomé and Príncipe), Kribi (Cameroon), and Lagos (Nigeria). Upcoming stops are planned in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Dakar (Senegal), and Mindelo (Cape Verde).
On September 8, the Liberal conducted exercises with the Togolese patrol vessel Oti. During this exercise, the frigate received a visit from the Brazilian Ambassador to Togo, Nei Futuro Bitencourt, along with the Chief of Staff of the Togolese Navy, Captain Babate Atatoum Florent. Visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) drills were conducted, involving Togolese and Brazilian forces boarding each other’s vessels.
The Brazilian Navy noted that Guinex III consolidates its presence in the Gulf of Guinea, establishing cooperation channels with the navies and coast guards of countries in the region. This enhances the interoperability of Brazilian naval assets with local actors and focuses on maritime security in the region.
Through operations like Guinex, the Brazilian Navy aims to ensure the security and protection of Brazil’s maritime borders, proactively preventing and countering threats that could jeopardize activities related to the use of the sea.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Royal Navy vessel HMS Trent made its second visit to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of a regional mission aimed at assisting friends and partners in combating criminal activities such as piracy and illicit trafficking.
During its stay in Nigeria, the Royal Navy will provide capacity training and maritime support to help tackle sea piracy and illegal trafficking.
