United States Admiral Michelle J. Howard, who is the commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commander, US Naval Forces Europe and commander, US Naval Forces Africa, is meeting with Nigeria Chief of Naval Staff.

Vice Admiral Ibom Ete Ibas and other senior Nigerian civilian and military officials to discuss maritime collaboration and the enhancement of naval bilateral relationship between the two countries. In her address, Admiral Michelle stated that Nigeria, with over 450 miles of coastline and a central location in the Gulf of Guinea makes her Navy a key player in the fight against illicit maritime activity.

“I am here to discuss the security challenges and deepening our relationship in training and exercises,” says Howard, even as she prepares to meet also, with Nigerian graduates of the US service academies and deliver a presentation on women, peace and security at the Nigerian Defence College.

The visit gives her an opportunity to talk to Nigeria’s leaders about the significant contributions they can make to confronting security challenges and enhancing stability throughout the region. Notably, the U.S.

Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and inter agency partners   to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa.