Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Sune Krogstrup, has stated that the Danish Navy acted in self defence recently when it reportedly killed four pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, approximately 70 nautical miles south of Nigerian territorial waters. The incident happened on November 24.
Reacting to enquiries by the JournalNG, the Ambassador stated that “On the 24th of November the Danish navy received information concerning presumed piracy activities approximately 70 nautical miles south of Nigerian territorial waters, i.e. in international waters. The Danish frigate ‘Esbern Snare’ who was in the Gulf of Guinea on the evening of the 24th intercepted a vessel with presumed pirates.
“The presumed pirates ignored the Danish call to stop the vessel and the situation escalated with the presumed pirates firing at the Danish forces. The Danish soldiers reacted in self-defence and returned fire from the presumed pirates, resulting in five casualties among the presumed pirates, including four, who have deceased.
“The Danish frigate “Esbern Snare” is patrolling the international waters of the Gulf of Guinea from November to April operating under the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The mandate of the mission is to combat and deter piracy in order to protect commercial vessels and its seafarers from pirate attacks. Denmark has a good and constructive cooperation with key Nigerian actors, including NIMASA and the Navy, in the fight against maritime crime in the region”.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has met with the Danish Ambassador concerning the development. According to NIMASA, the meeting, which held in Abuja.
Dr. Jamoh assured that all stakeholders were interacting, adding that the Agency will continue to do everything within its powers, including collaborations, to ensure the Gulf of Guinea remains a safe place for virile maritime activities.
“Let me assure you that NIMASA is in contact with the Nigerian Navy and relevant actors, as we continue to collaborate towards a total de-confliction, not only in our waters, but also in the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
NIMASA, according to the Press Release, promised to update the public with necessary information as the situation unfolds and more facts become available.
