IGBOSCHOLARS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IGBO SCHOLARS FORUM, NIGERIA

This paper examined the AFRICOM’S Maritime Security Initiative, Programmes and Partnerships: A Projection of Advanced Maritime Security in the Gulf Guinea. The said insecurity in the sub-region as perpetrated by Violent Extremist Organisations (VEOs) and Transnational Criminal Organistions (TCOs), Gulf of Guinea is a strategic coastal area that contains about 17 countries and it has rich natural endowments with vast reserves of hydrocarbon, oil deposits, mineral (diamond, tin and cobalt), fisheries resources, etc. which attracted US Government’s strategic interest in the maritime region. The study was anchored on the power theory as data collection was based on the qualitative method of data collection. Data collected were analyzed using content analysis and logical data framework. The study found that maritime security challenges in West Africa include piracy, violent extremism, transnational organized crimes, kidnaping, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, transnational crude oil theft, smuggling, armed robbery, and drug trafficking and also that maritime insecurity has remained prevalent in the Gulf of Guinea, despite the establishment of US Africa Command. In conclusion, empirical evidence suggests that AFRICOM has had a positive impact in the Gulf of Guinea by contributing to the decline in piracy incidents, building the capacity of regional security forces, facilitating intelligence sharing and coordination, and engaging in diplomatic efforts. However, on-going challenges in the region require a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving various stakeholders to ensure long-term security and stability. The study, therefore, recommended, among others, that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) should conduct joint exercises and operations with African partners to enhance interoperability and promote regional cooperation in the sub-region.

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