The United States (U.S.) yesterday said illicit maritime activities are threats to the acheivement of food security in Nigeria and other African countries.

It identified illegal fishing, trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people, as well as ongoing threat of piracy as factors that undermine rule of law, food security, and economic development.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Obangame Express, Director, Directorate of Intelligence, U.S. Africa Command, Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, lauded the commitment of the 33 nations scheduled to participate in this year’s exercise.

On the occasion were senior leaders from the U.S. Africa Command and the Nigerian Navy, representatives of maritime forces from the Gulf of Guinea, Europe, North and South America, as well as regional and international organisations.

According to her, illicit maritime activities such as illegal fishing, trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people, as well as the ongoing threat of piracy, undermine the rule of law, food security, and economic development in the region.

“This exercise is a clear demonstration of the United States’ dedication to combat these illicit activities and help our partners in the Gulf of Guinea to provide security for their resources, their economy, and their people. Obangame Express 2019 will make the region a safe place for maritime commerce and ultimately help increase prosperity of the region,” Rear Admiral Berg said.