The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, the first warship permanently assigned to Africa, arrived in Lagos over the weekend as part of the U.S. government’s support to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

The U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Claire Pierangelo, told journalists in Lagos that Ship visits like this one clearly demonstrate the U.S.’s continued dedication to its partners in the Gulf of Guinea as they strive for the security of their resources, their economy, and their people.

According to US official, Nigeria and other countries in West Africa lose about 800,000 tonnes of fish a year worth about $2 billion in gross revenue to illegal activities by both foreign and domestic vessels.

The U.S. investments and donations to the Nigerian military are worth more than $559 million, part of which is the naval coast guard transfers renamed NNS Okpabana and NNS Thunder.

The COVID-19 outbreak and restrictions led to a surge in piracy levels, though that slowed this year and is expected to ease further as economies pick up, Graham said.

The Gulf of Guinea is regarded as the most dangerous part of the world for sailors, accounting for almost all kidnappings at sea in recent years.